Pupils Academic Performance in Kcpe from Selected Private and Public Primary Schools in Inoi Zone Central Division Kirinyaga District

ABSTRACT 

The purpose of this study was compare pupil’s academic performance in KCPE from selected private and public primary school in Inoi zone central division Kirinyaga district. Specifically, the study wanted to; (i) to establish school based factors that affect pupil academic performance in private and public primary schools, (ii) to establish out school factors that describe the level of pupil academic performance in private and public primary schools, (iii) to compare pupil’s academic performance in private and public primary schools. The study was descriptive in nature based on quantitative approach involving 72 respondents (teachers) from school in central division who were selected stratifled random sampling. Primary data were collected using self administered questionnaires and analyzed by summary statistics (e.g. Means and standard deviations) and Pearson Linear Co-efficient. The study found no significant difference in school and out of school factor that affect academic performance in both private and public primary schools in central division of Kirinyaga district. The study also found that pupils’ in private primary school performed better than those in public primary schools in English (t=2.90, sig. = 0.005), science (t=4.95, sig. = 0.000) and Social Studies (t=3.18, sig. =0.002), with all differences favoring private schools against public. It is also indicated that the biggest difference was in science and this is indicated by the biggest t-value (4.95) and a smallest sig. value (0.000). From these findings appropriate conclusions and recommendations were made. The recommendations form the study were; (i) there should be professional support provided, through clearly defined policy that delegates to schools the authority for deciding school schedules needed equipment, schemes of work and preferred teaching methods. The education officers should inspect all the schools irrespective of whether they are private or public, (ii) the expectations of teachers and pupils in public schools should be improved. This can be enhanced by the inspectors who can assist the teachers in tackling some of the problems being faced by the teachers. Because the low salaries of teachers are a predominant issue, this study recommends that the government should address it in order to improve the low morale of teachers, which in turn might improve the KCPE performance in this division, (iii) Government and concerned authorities should provide adequate resources to public schools inform of granting financial, physical and human resources to promote performance of pupils. The low level of performance in public primary schools arises due to lack of pertinent resources. Therefore provision of such can help in improving pupils’ performance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION A

DECLARATION B ii

APPROVAL SHEET

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS V

ABSTRACT Vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS I

LIST OF ABBREVIATION ix

CHAPTERONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Objectives of the Study 4

Research questions 4

Scope of the Study

Significance of the Study 5

Definitions of Terms 6

CHAPTERTWO 7

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 7

Introduction

Concepts, Ideas and opinions 7

Theoretical perspective 8

Comparative study on private and public schools 9

Performance of private schools 11

Factors that Determine School Performance 16

Out of school factors 17

School based factors 18

CHAPTER THREE 22

METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY 22

Introduction 22

Study Design 22

Area of Study 22

Study Population 22

Sampling Procedure 23

Research Instruments 23

Validity and Reliability of the instrument 24

Research procedure 24

Study Limitations 24

CHAPTER FOUR 25

PRESENTATION ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE DATA 25

Introduction 25

Description of data 25

Description of out of school factors 31

Comparing pupils’ performance in both private and public primary

schools 32

CHAPTER FIVE 34

FINDING, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS 34

Introduction

Findings

Conclusions 35

Recommendations 36

REFERENCE -~

APPENDIX.A

TRANSMITTAL LETTER A

APPENDIX II TEACHER QUESTIONNAIRE B

APPENDIX III F

TIMETABLE F

APPENDIX IV G

MEAN SCORES PER SUBJECT IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS G

APPENDIX V H

RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VITAE H