School organizational factors as predictors of student achievement: Principals’ perspective

Alfred Otara, Hezekiah Otieno Omolo

Abstract


This study aimed to deepen our understanding of how school organization factors can be used to predict students’ academic performance. In particular, factors examined were leadership skills, nature of students, parental involvement and the school environment. Using stratified and simple random sampling, a total of 152 principals were selected for the study. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data whose variance and regression was analyzed using ANOVA. The findings consolidate the importance of leadership skills, nature of students, learning environment and parents in predicting students learning success. All the four aspects of school organization contributed differently to predicting students’ academic performance with the Principals' Leadership Skills having the highest impact while parental involvement made the least contribution. Findings of this study are important to educational administrators to ensure a supportive learning environment for the students. In addition education authorities both at national and local levels should enhance field inspections to rate the learning atmosphere. The study also serves to contribute to the body of knowledge on school organizational factors in addition to triggering the need for more research in this domain.

Keywords


school organization; academic performance; learning environment; parents; students;

Full Text:

PDF

References


Ado, S. T. (2015). Influence of Learning Environment on Students’ Academic Achievement in Mathematics: A Case Study of Some Selected Secondary Schools in Yobe State – Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(34), 40-44.

Aduda, D. (2009, March 4). Top Marks for Alliance, p.1. Daily Nation. Nairobi: Nation Media Group Limited.

Adserias, R. P., Charleston, L. J., & Jackson, J. F. (2017). What style of leadership is best suited to direct organizational change to fuel institutional diversity in higher education? Raceethnicity and education, 20(3), 315–331

Agosiobo, C. (2007). Effective Teaching in Schools: Theory and Practise 2nd Edition. Deltal Place: Stanley Thornes Ltd.

Ajao, A. (2001). Teachers effectiveness on students’ academic performance. Journal of Education and Practice 5 (22), 2-17

Ajayi, M. A. (2001). Effect of learning environment on students’ academic achievement in Lagos State secondary schools. Unpublished MED thesis University of Nigeria.

Akinola, O., & Obafemi, B. (2013). Principals’ leadership skills and School effectiveness: The case of South Western Nigeria. World Journal of Education, 3(5), 27-33. doi:10.5430/wje.v3n5p26

Ali, A., Dada, I., Isiaka, G., & Salmon, S. (2014). Types, Causes and Management of Indiscipline Acts among Secondary School Students in Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State. Salmon, S.A.4(14), 253-264.

Al-Musa, H., & Al-Montashri, S. S. (2016). Substance abuse among male secondary school students in Abha City, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and associated factors. Eastern Mediterranean health journal, 27(4), 808-812

Andrews, C. (2008). Add parents, subtract confusion. Times Educational Supplement, 4770:56-57.

Asikhia, O. A. (2010) Students and Teachers’ Perception on the Causes of Poor performance in Ogun state secondary schools (Nigeria) Implication for Counseling for National Development. In the European Journal of Social Sciences, 13 (2), 229-242

Ashton, C. (2001). Life Skills Project Implementation in the American Education System. YAREVAN: UNICEF.

Ayça, S. A., & Ali, A. T. (2017).The role of physical environmental factors on university students’ academic performance. Journal of Human Sciences, 14(4), 4241-4250

Battle, J., & Lewis, M. (2002). The increasing significance of class: The relative effects of race and socioeconomic status on academic achievement. Journal of Poverty, 6(2), 21-35.

Barnard, W. M. (2004). Parent involvement in elementary school and educational attainment. Children and Youth Services Review, 26, 39- 62.

Bernestein, J. (2006). State of Working America Cited in Stieglitz, Joseph E. (2012-06-04). The prince of inequality: How Today’s Divided Society Endangers our Future. Ithaca, NY: ILR Press.

Bascia, B. (2003). Achieving Universal Primary Education by 2015. A chance for every child. Washington DC: World Bank

Blevins, B. M. (2009). Effects of socioeconomic status on academic performance in Missouri public schools. Retrieved from http://gradworks.umi.com/3372318.pdf

Bolanle, A. O. (2017). Principals’ leadership skills and school effectiveness: The case of South Western Nigeria. World Journal of Education, 3 (5), 27-33. doi:10.5430/wje.v3n5p26

Brand, S., Felner, R. D., Seitsinger, A., Burns, A., & Bolton, N. (2008). A large scale study of the assessment of the social environment of middle and secondary schools: the validity and utility of teachers’ ratings of school climate, cultural pluralism, and safety problems for understanding school effects and school improvement. J. Sch. Psychol, 46, 507–535. doi: 10.1016/j.jsp.2007.12.001

Buhere, P. (2007). A study of Quality of Education in Public Secondary Schools in Bungoma Division of Bungoma District. Unpublished MED Project, University of Nairobi.

Chepchieng, A., & Kiboss. P. (2004). Recruiting Retaining and Retraining Secondary Schools. Teachers and Principals in Sub – Saharan African: Secondary Education in Africa. Thematic Study No. 4. Ireland: World Bank.

Chen, G., & Weikart, L. A. (2008). Student background, school climate, school disorder, and student achievement: an empirical study of New York City’s middle schools. J. Sch. Violence 7, 3–20. doi: 10.1080/15388220801973813

Chepkorir, S., Cheptonui, E. M., & Chemutai, A. (2014).The relationship between teacher-related factors and students attitudes towards secondary school chemistry subject in Bureti district, Kenya. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 4(4), 1-9

Chowa, G., Masa, R., & Tucker, J. (2013). The effects of parental involvement on academic Performance of Ghanaian youth: Testing measurement and relationship using structural equation modeling. Children and Youth Services Review, 35(12), 2020-2030.

Chuma, P. C. (2012). Challenges Affecting Teaching-Learning in Primary Schools in Kenya. A case study of Central Division Mandera East District. Executive Med Project, Moi University.

Collins, T. N., & Parson, K. A. (2010). School climate and student outcomes. J. Cross Discipline. Perspect. Educ. 3, 34–39.

Cohen, J., Pickeral, T., & McCloskey, M. (2009). Assessing school climate. Educ. Digest. 74, 45.

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications

Crosnoe, R., Johnson, M. K., & Elder, G. H. (2004). School size and the interpersonal side of education: An examination of race/ethnicity and organizational context. Social Science Quarterly, 85(5), 1259-1274.

Cummings, T. G. & Worley, C. G. (2001). Organization Development and Change 7thed. Ohio: South Western College Publishing.

Earthman, G. I., & Lemasters, L. K. (2009). Teacher attitudes about classroom conditions. Journal of Educational Administration, 47(3), 323-335. doi:10.1108/09578230910955764

Farooq, M. S., Chaudhry, A. H., Shafiq, M., & Berhanu, G. (2011). Factors affecting students’ quality of academic performance: a case of secondary school level. Journal of quality and technology management 7(2), 1-14.

Feenberg, A. (2012). Questioning technology: Routledge.

Filgona, J., Filgona, J., & Sababa, L. K. (2017). Mastery Learning Strategy and Learning Retention: Effects on Senior Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Physical Geography in Ganye Educational Zone, Nigeria. Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, 2(3), 1-14.

Fraenkel, J. R., & Wallen, N. E. (2009). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (7thed.). New York: McGraw-hill.

Gitome, J.W., Katola, M.T., & Nyabwari, B.G. (2013). Correlation between students’ discipline and performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. International Journal of Education and Research, 1(8), 1-10.

Glanz, J. (2000). Paradigm debates in curriculum and supervision: Modern and postmodern perspectives. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey.

Gottfredson, G. D., Gottfredson, D. C., Payne, A. A., & Gottfredson, N. C. (2005). School climate predictors of school disorder: Results form a national study of delinquency prevention in schools. Journal of Research in Crime & Delinquency, 42(4), 412-444.

Greene, M. B., & Ross, R. (2005). The nature, scope and utility of formal laws and regulations that prohibit school-based bullying and harassment. Paper presented at the Persistently Safe Schools 2005: The National Conference of the Hamilton Fish Institute on School and Community Violence.

Grealish, L. (2012). How competency standards became the preferred national technology for classifying nursing performance in Australia. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing 30(2), 20-34.

Griffin, G. (2004). Issues that KCSE results should raise. The Educational insight. Issues 07 p24.

Hameed, A., & Waheed, A. (2011). Employee development and its effect on employee performance: A conceptual framework. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(13), 224-229.

Hill, P. (2006). Put learning first: A portfolio approach to public schools. Washington, DC: Progressive

Ilomo, O., DR., & Mlavi, B. (2016).The Availability of Teaching and Learning Facilities and Their Effects on Academic Performance in Ward Secondary Schools in Muheza – Tanzania. International journal of education and research, 4(6).571-582

Jepkoech, S. (2002). A survey of factors that influence the performance of students in Economics in KCSE: A Case of selected schools in Rift Valley Province of Kenya. Unpublished M.Phil.Thesis.Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.

Kalagbor, L. D. (2016). An Analysis of Factors Influencing Students’ Academic Performance in Public and Private Secondary Schools in Rivers State-Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(28), 96-101

Kadenyi, N., & Kamuyu, D. (2006). Introduction to Educational Research. Njoro.Egerton University.

Khan, N. (2017, February). Pakistan Education Statistics. Islamabad, Pakistan: AEPAM.

Khan, R. M. A., Tasneem, N.I.S. (2015). the influence of Parents Educational level on Secondary School Students Academic achievements in District Rajanpur. Journal of Education and Practice, 6 (16), 143-150.

Kieti, D. (2017). Community Based Tourism Initiatives: Lessons for Best Practice in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Jones, E. & Wishitemi, B. E. (eds). Tourism Planning, Policy Formulation and Community Based Tourism. Eldoret, Kenya: Moi University Press, p. 62-71.

Kilei, J. K. (2012). Factors Influencing Quality Training in Public Primary TTC in Rift Valley Zone, Kenya. Executive Med project, Moi University

Kiplagat, W.S, & MUGASIA, F. A. (2014). School Factors Associated with Student Violence in Secondary Schools in Nandi South District, Kenya. International journal of humanities and social sciences, 4(1), 123-132.

Kirkup, J. (2008). Middle-class children resentful at being pushed to succeed. Telegraph. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/3330301/Middleclass- children- resentful-at-being-pushed-to-succeedpoll-shows.html

Klier, A. (2005).Girls and Schools in Sub-Saharan Africa: From Analysis to Action. Washington DC: World Bank.

Krashen, S. (2005). The hard work hypothesis: Is doing your homework enough to overcome the effects of poverty? Multicultural Education, 12(4), 16-19.

Krejcie, R., & Morgan, D. (1970). Determining Sample Size for Research Activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement. An electronic Journal for the 21st Century. Available at: http://www.emoderators.com/ipct-j/1998/n3-4/hill.hmtl

Kudari, J.M. (2016). Survey on the Factors Influencing the Student’s Academic Performance. International Journal of Emerging Research in Management and Technology, 5(6), 30-36.

Lee, J.S. (2014). The relationship between student engagement and academic performance: Is it a myth or reality? The Journal of Educational Research, 107(3), 177–185.

Lezotte, L. W. (2010). What effective schools do: Re-envisioning the correlates. Indianapolis, IN: Solution Tree.

Lioyd, C. B., Mensch, B. S., & Clark, W. (2000). The effects of primary school quality on school dropout among Kenyan girls and boys. Comparative Education Review, 44, 113-47.

Littky, D., & Grabelle, S. (2004). The BIG picture: Education is everyone’s business. Alexandria, VA: Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Mackatiani, C. I. (2017). Influence of examinations oriented approaches on quality education in primary schools in Kenya. Journal of education and practice, 8(14), 51-58

Maina, M. J. (2010). Strategies Employed by Secondary School Principals to Improve Academic Performance in Embu West District. Kenyatta University. Retrieved April 25, 2018 from http://irlibrary.ku.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789/930/Mwaura%2C%20James%20Maina.pdf?sequence=3

Marzano, R. J. (2003). What works in schools: Translating research into action? Retrieved from http://pdonline.ascd.org/pd_online/whatworks/marzano2003_ch13 .html

Marquardt, M. J. (2012). Building the Learning Organization; Achieving Strategic Advantage through a Commitment to Learning (3rd Ed.). Nicholas Brealey Publishing: Boston, USA.

Micheal, D., Babatola, J., & Olabisi, R. (2016). Principals’ Administrative Strategies Model for Educational Reform. Retrieved from https ://files.eric .ed.gov /fulltext /ED375485.pdf

Migori County Education Director Office (2018). Examination results. Migori, Kenya

Ministry of Education (1993). Report of a Conference on Educational Administration, Nairobi; Jomo Kenyatta Foundation.

Modo, F., Uwah, C., & Mogbo, I. (2013). Guidance and Counseling Services in Secondary School as Coping Strategy for Improved Academic Performance of Students in AkwaIbom State, Nigeria, 3, 4th ser. Research on humanities and social sciences. 3(4), 43-49

Moswela, B. (2014). Students’ Academic Achievement: Whose Responsibility and Accountability? International Journal of Business and Social Science, 5(10), 47-57.

Mudassir, I. U., & Norsuhaily, A. B. (2015).The Influence of School Environment on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.252-256.

Mukherjee, S. (2013). A study of the managerial skills of school principals and performance of schools. Journal of Indian Research, 1(2), 81-86.

Mwangi, J. K. (2001). .Determinants of learning Achievement in Economics in Kenyan Secondary Schools. Unpublished Ph. D Thesis. University of Nairobi.

Nannyonjo, H. (2007). Education Input in Uganda: An Analysis of Factors Influencing Learning Achievement in Grade Six. Washington DC: World Bank.

Nandeke, E., Chumba, S. K., & Kiprop, C. (2017). Rethinking of Public Secondary Schools Discipline in Kenya. European Scientific Journal, 13 (19).

Ndirangu, P. (2007). An investigation of the relationship between test anxiety and academic performance in secondary schools in Nyeri district, Kenya. Nakuru. Egerton University.

Ndunda, P. (2002). An Investigation into the Probable Factors Responsible for Poor Performance in KCSE in Vihiga District of Western Province. Master of Education Project, KU: Unpublished

Njagi, L. W. (2013). Teacher Factors Influencing Students’ Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools. International Journal of Education and Research, 1(3), 1-14.

Nyagosia, P.O. (2011). Determinants of Differential Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Performance and School Effectiveness in Kiambu and Nyeri Counties, Kenya. Kenyatta University. Retrieved April 25, 2018 from http://irlibrary. ku.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789/3009/Nyagosia,%20Patrick%20Ogecha.pdf?sequence=3

Ojukwu, M. (2017).Effect of Insecurity of School Environment on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Imo State. International Journal of Education & Literacy Studies. 5(1), 20-28.51-55.

Okello, L.M., Sichari, M. & Odera, F. (2017). Influence of School Environmental Characteristics on Retention of Secondary School Teachers in Homa Bay County of Kenya. International Journal of Academic Scientific Research, 5(1), 237-246.

Okumbe, J. A. (2001) Educational Management Theory and Practice. Nairobi: Nairobi University Press.

Oluremi , F. (2013). Principals Organizational Management and Students’ Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools in Ekitistate Nigeria, Singaporean journal of business economics and management studies, 2(2), 78-84.

Onukwo, G. (2004/2005). Class note on educational psychology, in p. g. d. i. education (Ed.).

Onyara, N. B. (2013). School Based Factors Influencing Student’s Academic Performance at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Teso South District. International journal of education and research, 2(10)129-134

Oso, W.Y., & Onen, D. (2009). A General Guide to writing research proposal and report: A handbook for beginning researchers. Nairobi: Jomo Kenyatta Foundation.

Page, B., & Hansen, S. (2008). Effective Team Leadership Learning to Lead Through Relationship. Nairobi Evangel Publishing House.

Peter, G. A. M. (2015). Relationship between Leadership Styles used by Head teachers of Public Secondary Schools and Students’ Academic Performance. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 5(7), 2222-6990.

Peter, B. N. (2016). Analysis of Family Structure Influence on Academic Performance among Secondary School Students in Bungoma East Sub-County, Kenya. International Journal of Secondary Education. 4(2), 12-22.

Petrie, K. (2014). The relationship between school climate and student bullying. TEACH J. Christ. Educ. 8, 26–35. Available online at: https://research.avondale.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://scholar.google.com.au/&https%20redir=1&art icle=1237&context=teach

Petty, N. W., & Green, T. (2007). Measuring educational opportunity as perceived by students: a process indicator. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 18:67-91.

Price, H. (2008). Mobilizing the community to help students succeed. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Republic of Kenya, (2016). Economic Survey 2016. Nairobi, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

Ralph, B., & McNeal J. (2014).Parent Involvement, Academic Achievement and the Role of Student Attitudes and Behaviors as Mediators. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 2(8), 564-576.

Seashore, L.K., & Leithwood, K. (2010). Leadership: investigating the links to improved student learning.Minesota: University of Minesota.

Sergon, D. (2005, October 6). School Success Depends on the Head Teacher’s Ability. The Standard. Nairobi: The Standard Group.

Sermon, J. M. (2005).Principals' relationship with computer technology. ASSP Bulletin, 89(643), 45-63. Policy Institute.

Siringi, S. (2010, March 3). KCSE: Year of the boys.

Smith, P. A., & Hoy, W. K. (2007). Academic optimism and student achievement in urban elementary schools. J. Educ. Administrat, 45, 556–568. doi:10.1108/09578230710778196

Stavros, D., Nikolaos, B., George, A., & Apostolos, V. (2016). Organizational Change Management: Delineating Employee Reaction to Change in SMEs Located in Magnesia. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 5(1), 309-317

Suleman, Q., Aslam, H. D., Hussain, I., & Shakir, M. (2012). Effects of Parental Socioeconomic Status on the Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students in District Karak (Pakistan). International Journal of Human Resource Studies, 2(4): 14-26.

Sushila, S. J. (2002). Factors affecting Students Performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination in Public Secondary Schools in Maseno Division.M.Ed Research Project, UON: unpublished.

Tschannen-Moran, M., Parish, J., & DiPaola, M. (2006). School climate: the interplay between interpersonal relationships and student achievement. J. Sch. Leadership, 16, 386.

Tsinidou, M., Gerogiannis, V., & Fitsilis, P. (2010). Evaluation of the factors that determine quality in higher education: an empirical study. Quality Assurance in Education, 18(3), 227-244.

Twaweza East Africa, (2016). “A new dawn? Citizens views on new developments in education.” Brief No. 30.

Twoli, N.W. (2006). Sex differences in science Achievement Among Secondary School in Kenya Ph.D.Discertition. Australia. Flinders University of south Australia.

UNESCO. (2015). Education for all 2000-2015: Challenges and opportunities.

UNICEF. (2003). “UNICEF gloomy on child development goals.” Lancet 362 (9400).

Wambui, A. (2015). Effectiveness of Guidance and Counseling Services in Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Case Study of Githunguri Sub-County in Kiambu County. American journal of education science, 1(4), 204-209.

Wammula, A. J. (2013). Factors influencing academic performance in Kenya.

Way, N., Reddy, R., & Rhodes, J. (2007). Students’ perceptions of school climate during the middle school years: associations with trajectories of psychological and behavioral adjustment. Am. J. Community Psychol, 40, 194–213. doi: 10.1007/s10464-007-9143-y

Waseka, E. L., Simatwa, M.W., & Okwach, T.O. (2016). Influence of teacher factors on students’ academic performance in secondary school education. A case study of Kakamega County, Kenya. Greener Journal of Educational Research, 6(4), 151–169,

Wijsman, L. A., Warren, M. J., Saab, N. et al. (2016). Declining trends in student performance in lower secondary education. Eur J Psychol Edu, 31, 595-612

Williams, D. A. (2013). Strategic Diversity Leadership: Activating Change and Transformation in Higher Education. Sterling: Stylus Publishing.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.29103/ijevs.v3i1.3373

Article Metrics

 Abstract Views : 1818 times
 PDF Downloaded : 425 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2021 Alfred Otara, Hezekiah Otieno Omolo