INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ON TRANSITION RATES AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY
INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ON TRANSITION RATES AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY
Catherine Onacha - Department of Educational Management Policy and Curriculum Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Hellen Kiende Guantai - Department of Educational Management Policy and Curriculum Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study was to establish the influence of parental involvement on transition rates among primary schools in Machakos County. This study used the New Public Governance theory. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design. The study was conducted in Machakos County. The study targeted the 707 public primary school in Machakos County. The target population were 707 head teachers and 10908 teachers from Machakos County. A sample size comprising 71 schools was selected. A sample of 5 heads and 371 teachers was selected. To gather data for the study, primary sources such as questionnaires and interview guides were utilized. A pilot was conducted to assess the clarity of questions and accuracy of tools. The study used content validity. Content validity was determined via subject matter expert’s verdicts. Reliability coefficient of the research instrument was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α). To be considered reliable, the items should have Cronbach’s alpha of 0.7 or above. For the study, a combination of quantitative and qualitative data was collected, which underwent analysis using Version 27 of SPSS. Descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation applied on quantitative data enable easy interpretation & presentation in tables or graphs format as results outputted. The study found that parental involvement in their children’s school life through attendance of meetings, virtual communication through audio and video and physical visitations are beneficial for the junior school students and that peer counseling and guidance and counseling programs are key in promoting class attendance and completion rates. The study concluded that parental engagement, through attending meetings, virtual communication, and physical visitations, plays a crucial role in enhancing student success. The study recommended that schools should prioritize organizing regular meetings to ensure continuous communication between parents and teachers. This could help in keeping parents updated on their children's academic progress, behavior, and challenges.
