PARENT-TEACHER COLLABORATION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA
PARENT-TEACHER COLLABORATION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA
Victoria Mbula Musyoki - Student, Masters of Education (Educational Administration) in the School of Education and Lifelong Learning, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Daniel Mange Mbirithi - Lecturer, Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies School of Education and Lifelong Learning, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Based on educational research, the students' academic performance during secondary school is highly dependent on parent-teacher interaction. This is a partnership which is deemed vital to creating a nurturing school climate for students' development, engagement and success. Through these activities’ students learn to value and expect school and home to be supportive of each other, creating an aligned support base that is substantial for the student in school. The study sought to assess the impact of parent teacher relationship in the learning outcomes of secondary school learners in Makueni public schools. The study aimed to assess the role of the participatory decision-making in the academic results of the students. The concept of social capital and Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theories were used in this study. The study used descriptive research. The research comprises of 1965 members of the population comprising teachers and students attending 390 public secondary schools across Makueni County. The respondents were sampled using stratified sampling technique in the selected schools. This sample comprised the school principal, deputy principal, the coordinator of the BOM (senior school), and the chairpersons and student leader for the PTA in 59 schools, giving a total of 295 people. This data collection was done through the use of structured questionnaires which provided quantitative data. The quantitative data analysis was carried out by using SPSS software which was used for statistical computation. Data shown in tables. It was noted that participative decision making; the quality and timeliness of communication. The study also revealed that it was conducive to free expression in the school environment because majority of the parents were comfortable to express their views. Additionally, the study found that principals with parents' communication was not only on time and frequent, but there was a possibility for information to be spread out concerning school. Furthermore, it identified effective early steps taken towards coordinating action with parents, representing the schools' wish to work on issues together with parents. Moreover, there was a high level of student volunteering encouragement and support found, which allows students to develop values including responsibility and service to the community. It was recommended that school leaders and boards of management make better use of formal and regular opportunities for parents to be involved in school issues.
