School-based factors affecting provision of quality education for students in universal primary education schools in Kabira subcounty, Kyotera district

Abstract

This study examined the school-based factors affecting provision of quality education for students in universal primary education schools in Kabira subcounty, Kyotera district. The study was guided by three objectives; the school physical infrastructure related factors, teaching staff related factors and school governance related factors affecting provision of quality education. The study population constituted UPE schools in Kabira sub county, Kyotera district. The units of analysis were head teachers, teachers and pupils. The study used simple random sampling when selecting respondents to be engaged in the study. The study employed a qualitative study approach to examine the school-based factors affecting the provision of quality education for students in UPE schools. A total of 30 pupils were interviewed using an in-depth interview guide. In addition, two head teachers and four teachers were interviewed. Simple random sampling was used in the selection of pupils while purposive sampling was used in the selection of key informants. In interviews with pupils about the school-based factors affecting the provision of UPE, they mentioned that their schools lacked a library, classrooms were not in good state and also toilets were not in a good state. They also revealed that teachers appreciate the times when students work hard towards excelling in their tasks. They went ahead and said that sometimes teachers do guide students in setting personal targets and developing strategies to achieve set target but few teachers do that. The study findings also revealed that there is cooperation between the head teacher and the teachers, teachers engaged in making final decisions and that the head teachers make sure that the syllabus is completed on time. In a nut shell, children in UPE schools deserve to receive a descent kind of education. However, there are some school-based factors that are hindering them from receiving those services which has resulted into missing classes at school. Therefore, these schools should seek help from the government to shoulder some of UPE related costs such as providing scholastic materials like books, improving school infrastructures like classrooms, libraries and toilets.