Influence of Parent Involvement on Academic Performance of Students in Public Day Secondary Schools in Thika West and Gatundu North Sub-Counties, Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Parental involvement contributes significantly in students’ academic success in national examinations. This has forced secondary school administrators to involve parents while preparing students for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Parental involvement influence student’s natural talent, improves behavior, increase classroom attendance and promotes classroom compliance which affects the student`s academic performance. In this study, investigation on parental involvement in public day secondary school performance in Thika West and Gatundu North Sub-Counties, Kenya, was done. The study was guided by the Ecological Systems Theory with the use of descriptive research design. Teachers and students in the public secondary schools in Thika West and Gatundu North Sub-Counties were targeted. Questionnaires were used in this study. Demographic data and research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Tables were used for the representation of data obtained in this study. The relationship between dependent and independent variables were analyzed using linear

regression. Ethical issues were adhered to during the study. The study showed that good parent- student communication is a prerequisite for high academic achievement. In conclusion, schools

which adhered to students’ performance management policies showed higher academic performance. The study recommends that school administration should involve parents in preparation of calendar of events defining the role of parents in their children’s academic performance. In addition, counseling department should be reinforced to deal with students problems that emanates from parents. School administrators and policy makers should make efforts to have open forums for parents, teachers and students in order to be able to interact with each other and communicate schools` expectations to parents and parents to be given a chance to express their views