Academic Performance of the Physically Handicapped Pupils in Regular School. A Case Study of Gitoro Primary School in Merli, Kenya

ABSTRACT The impact of free primary education has been manifold and complex. The quality and magnitude of the programme has affected not only the normal physically fit pupil, but also the physically challenged learners in inclusive schools as well as the wider community and society. The study adopted a Quantitative research design. This enhanced the researcher to obtain a better understanding of the problems and impact of free primary education on the quality of special education for the physically disabled learners in Meru District Kenya. The method chosen allowed a collection of comprehensive and intensive data and provided an in-depth understanding of the topic under study. Information collected was analyzed and edited to create consistency and completeness. After collecting the questionnaires they were edited for completeness and consistency across the respondents and to locate omissions. Information obtained from the research study was presented and analyzed using na1Tatives, and statistical figures. This report provides suggestions for more effective approach to physically disabled education in the country. It is designed for policy makers, plaimers and practitioners who have responsibilities in the area of physically disabled education in Kenya.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION: ........................................................................................................................ i

APPROVAL ............................................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION ........................................................................................................................... iii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................... v

ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................... vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... vii

CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. I

1.1 Background to the study ....................................................................................................... I

1.2 Statement of the problem ...................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Purpose of the study ................................................................................................. : ............ 3

1.4 Objectives of the study .......................................................................................................... 3

1.4.1 General objective ............................................................................................................... 3

l .4.2Specific objectives .............................................................................................................. 3

1.5 Research questions ..................................... : .......................................................................... 3

1.6 Scope of the study ................................................................................................................. 3

I. 7 Significance of the study ....................................................................................................... 4

CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................................ 5

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE .................................................................................. 5

2.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Definition of physical disability ............................................................................................ 5

2.2 Problems faced by children with disabilities in accessing education ................................... 5

2.2. l Poverty ............................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.2 Attitudes ............................................................................................................................. 5

2.2.3 School infrastructure .......................................................................................................... 6

2.2.4 Lack of trained special needs educational teachers ........................................................... 6

2.2.5 Poor health and nutrition .................................................................................................... 7

2.3 Relevance of the education system to children with disabilities .......................................... 7

2.3.lMode of assessment ............................................................................................................ 7

2.3.2 Content ............................................................................................................................... 7

2.3.3Kenya's education system ................................................................................................... 7

CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................................... I 0

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................. l 0

3.0 Inh·oduction ......................................................................................................................... 10

3.1 Design ................................................................................................................................. 10

3.2 Research study population .................................................................................................. 10

3 .3 Inshuments of data collection ............................................................................................. 10

3.4 Data collection procedures .................................................................................................. l 0

3.5 Data analysis ....................................................................................................................... 10

CHAPTER FOUR .............................................................................................. : .......................... 12

4.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION .................................................................... 12

4.1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 12

Data analysis and processing .................................................................................................... 12

Vil

Respondents analysis ................................................................................................................ 14

CHAPTER FIVE .......................................................................................................................... 20

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................ 20

5.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 20

5. I Discussion ........................................................................................................................... 20

5 .2 Conclusions ......................................................................................................................... 21

5.3 Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 22

5.4 Areas of further research ..................................................................................................... 23

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 24

APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................... 25

APPENDICE A ......................................................................................................................... 25

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR PARENTS ................................................................................... 25

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TEACHERS .................................................................................... 26