Parental involvement and academic performance of students in seed secondary schools in Maracha District – Uganda

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the relationship between parental involvement and academic performance of their children in seed secondary school in Maracha District, Uganda. Across sectional survey designed and mixed research approach of both qualitative and quantitative were adapted for the study. The study was guarded by three specific objectives which included; to established the relationship between parental communication and academic performance of students in seed secondary school in Maracha district, to investigate the relationship between parental responsibility and academic performance of students in seed secondary schools in Maracha district and to determine the relationship between parental academic support and academic performance of students in seed secondary school in Maracha district. Data was collected from 229 respondents through questionnaires with the students and interviews with Headteachers, BOG Chairpersons, and PTA Chairpersons. The results showed a high influence of parental communication on student’s academic performance (aggregate mean= 2.96; S. D=1.173.The findings supported the three hypotheses (β=0.930; p-value= 0.00 < 0.01, r = 0.909; P- value .000< 0.01; and R= 0.933; R2= 0.878; p=0.00< 0.01).The study concludes that, the relationship between parental involvement in communication, parental responsibility, parental academic support and academic performance of students was strong, positive and significant. It was recommended that, school administration to enhance parental communication through regular newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, social media platforms, workshops, and seminars, strengthen the relationship between parental responsibility and academic performance by sensitizing parents to be role models, encouraging study friendly home environment, monitoring homework, and celebrating academic achievements. Resources such as reading materials and Education Apps should be provided to parents, and parents should be involved in school activities.