Investigation On Parental Participation In Improving Students’ Academic Performance: The Case Of The Best Public Secondary Schools In Handeni District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study investigated parental participation in improving students’ academic

performance using a case of the best public secondary schools in Handeni District,

Tanga region, Tanzania. The study employed qualitative research approach

supported by some quantitative data. Data were collected through questionnaires,

interviews, focus group discussion, and documentary review. The study used a crosssection

design. Participants were drawn using purposive, stratified sampling, and

random sampling procedures. Participants included 1 District Secondary Education

Officer (DSEO), 5 Heads of Schools (HOSs), 5 academic masters, 10 teachers, 40

students, and 30 parents. Data was analysed by using SPSS Version 23.0.

Results from the study revealed that, to a great extent, parents participate in

improving students’ academic performance through purchasing school uniform and

exercise books to their children. Also they participate in parents-teachers' meetings to

discuss about academic performance, they help to make students strictly observe

good discipline. Also there were many other factors that contributed to improve

students’ academic performance apart from the parents. They included remedial

classesprogrammes to form four students, district joint examinations for form four,

“NiacheNisome” campaign, students’subject clubs and availability of qualified as

well as committed teachers.

Finally, the study provides suggestion on academic performance that include

MoEVT should work together and highly support all Non-governmental

Organizations on campaigns that focus on improvement of education in Tanzania.

Regional Education Officers, DEOs, and Ministry of Education officials should

inform parents through meetings about different ways for helping students.

Recommendations for further studies are presented.