Socio-economic Status and Academic Achievement of Pupils in Selected Public Primary Schools in Starehe Division, Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of soclo-economic status on pupils academic achievement. It looked at the association between parental levels of income, parental level of education, marital status and academic achievement of pupils in public primary schools in Starehe Division. The study focused on 180 pupils, 18 teachers and nine headteachers from the division. Descriptive correlational design was employed. Researcher devised questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using the SPSS to determine the correlational coefficients between variables and descriptive analysis by use of means, modes and percentages. The findings revealed a positive relationship between socio-economic status and academic achievement of learners. The results showed that pupils from low SES often had to perform domestic duties or looked for paid work and this undermined their academic performance. Students from low SES also predominantly emanated from single homes and as such did not enjoy financial security. The study recommended that policy matters in education should provide appropriate and equitable opportunities that meet the learning needs of all individuals, regardless of the differences in their family SES background.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION (A)

DECLARATION (B) ii

APPROVAL

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS ~ii

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CHAPTERONE • 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE i

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

The purpose of the study 4

Research Objectives 4

Research Questions 4

Hypotheses 5

The scope of the study 5

Significance of the Study 5

Operational Definition of Terms 6

CHAPTER TWO........,.., ••.•~•.•,•,,••,

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction 7

Theoretical Perspective 7

Conceptual Framework 8

Review of Related Literature 8

CHAPTER

METHODOLOGY

Introduction 17

Research Design 17

Research Population • 17

Sarriple and Sampling Procedure . ‘••••••••••••••••••••••••e••...........18

Sample Slz~e . . . •••••••••••••,•••••••••••••••••••••••••...........18

SamplIng Procedure • •. .......... .18

rhe R1esearch InstIlJIT)ent 19

Validltic and R.eliabilltic of the Instmiirnerit 19

Validity of the Instrument 19

Rellabllit~c of the Instrument . ..19

Data Gathering Procedure . . .. . 19

Data ftriali’shs 

Ethical ConsideratIon .. • 2o

Limitations of the Stuch’ • •..

CILAPIER FOUR..

Introduction

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF ~

•

Description of Respondents l~c Gender • .

Descrljtlon of Respondents by Qualification

Description of Respondents by Period spent In school 24

Parents Soclo—Econornlc Baclcground

Description of Pupils’~SE 2.8

Description of pupils’ academnic per~rmnance • 29

The Relationship between Parents’ Income, Education Level, Marital Status and Pupils’

 Pertbrmnance • 29

The Relationship Between Pupils’ Socio-economic Status and Pupils’ Academic

Performance 30

CHAPTER FIVE .32

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS,,,,,,,,,,,,,.,,,,32

Introduction 32

Summary of Findings 32

Conclusions 33

Recommendations 34

Objective one 34

Objective two 34

Suggestions for Further Research 35

REFERENCES 36

APPENDICES 40

APPENDIX I: TRANSMITTAL LETTER 40

APPENDIX II 41

LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 41

APPEN DIX III: 42

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TEACHERS AND HEAD TEACHERS 42

APPENDIX IV: 44

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PUPILS 44

APPENDIX V 46

CURRICULUM VITAE 46

APPENDIX VI 48

SAMPLE SIZE(S) REQUIRED FOR THE GIVEN POPULATION SIZES (N) 48