Socio-economic Status of Parents and Academic Performance of Leaners in Selected Secondary Schools in Burera District, Rwanda

ABSTRACT This study intended to explore the relationship between parents’ socio-economic status in terms of occupation, education, family access and income and academic performance of learners in selected secondary schools in Burera district, Rwanda. This study seeks also to determine other factors responsible to the a.cademic performance differences among learners. In the literature review, concepts, ideas, and opinions from scholars regarding the variables under study are used and this focused on the study variables by reviewing literature under the sub-themes which synchronize with the research objectives or questions or hypotheses. The researcher employed descriptive correlation design and using SLOVEN’s formula, the respondents of this study included 202, from 410 targeted populations and the sampling was done by the use of simple random sampling, students of senior three and their parents or guardians from six selected secondary schools of Burera district, Rwanda, This study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. The man made questionnaires have been used to get data. Frequency, percentage and Pearson Correlation were used to analyze data. The findings have revealed that the parents’ socio-economic status in terms of level of education (Mean=104 which means that most of parents have the primary level), parents’ income (Mean=1.64 which means that it is very low), parents’ employment (Mean=1.82 or disagree according to Likert scale), family access (Mean=1.66 which is very low) have a closer relationship to the academic performance of their children (Mean=1.67 which is very poor) in the study area. And other factors such as school environment and natural factors determine also the academic achievement differences among students in science subjects. The researcher recommends to different people namely the government, educational planners, curriculum designers, head teachers and teachers. The government and education planners should plan effectively for its people and put into consideration the socioeconomic status of parents, especially in Burera District. The curriculum designer must provide relevant materials corresponding to the program and provide the education which is linked with the socioeconomic needs of society. In conclusion, the analysis and interpretation of data gathered using the questionnaire, document have revealed that the parents’ socioeconomic status in terms parent education, income, employment and family access had a close relationship to the academic performance~~of learners in selected secondary schools. Therefore, the objectives of this study have been achieved.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER Pages

ONE THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research Objectives 4

Specific objectives 4

Research Questions 5

Hypothesis 5

Scope of the Study 5

Significance of the Study 6

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 8

TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 10

Concepts, Opinions, Ideas from authors/experts 10

Theoretical perspective 19

Related literature 20

THREE METHODOLOGY 26

Research Design 26

Research Population 26

Sample Size 27

Sampling Procedure 28

Research Instrument 29

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 29

Data Gathering Procedures 30

Data Analysis 31

Ethic?] Consideration 31

Limitations of the Study 32

FOUR PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 33

PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS. 33

FIVE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 44

Introduction 44

FINDINGS 44

CONCLUSIONS 46

RECOMMENDATIONS 47

Suggested areas for further research 48

REFERENCES 49

APPENDICES 56

APPENDIX I: Transmittal letter 56

APPENDIX II: Research instrument 57

APPENDIX III: Computation of CVI 60

Appendix IV- Sample size (s) required for the given population size (N) 61

Appendix V-Proposed Budget 62

Appendix VI-Time Frame 63