Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between parental involvement
and students’ academic achievement of secondary schools of Ilu Aba Bor Zone. To conduct
this study, correlational research design was employed. Four (4) woredas were selected
using simple random sampling technique from the preexisted four clusters. Consequently, 8
(20%) secondary schools were selected from the sampled woredas by simple random
sampling method. In connection with this, 188 teachers and 144 parents were included in to
the sample via simple random sampling technique. Besides, 8 school principals were also
included through purposive sampling. While questionnaire was used as main tool, focus
group discussion and document review were used to substantiate the data gathered through
quantitative. Frequency, percentage, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation were
used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data obtained from open ended items, focus
group discussion and document review were described narratively. Subsequently, the findings
of the study indicated that parental involvement increases or improves students’ academic
achievement. Parental support at both the home and school was found to have a strong
positive relationship with students’ academic performance. The study also revealed that there
was unsatisfactory school-parent communication. Yet, the correlation value indicated that
school-parent communication and students’ academic performance have a direct
relationship. Finally, the study showed that secondary school students’ of the study Zone
were not performing well in grade 10 national exam as very few numbers of them pass to
preparatory school. In view of these findings, it can be concluded that Ilu Aba Bor zone
secondary school students’ academic performance was poor. To change this scenario, thus, it
is recommended that, parents need to take a lion’s share in their children’s educational
activities both (at home and at school). Schools are strongly advised to improve parentschool relationship through continued communication. Woreda Education Offices and Zone
Education Department are also strongly advised to critically work on how to put effective
parental involvement strategies that would enhance parents’ involvement in their children’s
learning
