Abstract:
This study was conducted to investigate the existing situations of Student perceptions towards
the practice of science education stream choice and its implication for 70:30 admissions.
Descriptive survey design was employed. Cluster sampling technique and was employed to
select the sample Woredas, schools, school principals, teachers and students. Quantitative
data collected through questionnaires were analyzed by using mean scores and standard
deviation. Consequently, the main findings reveal that there is no career advice, guidance
and information provided by schools. Students’ were forced by school administrators to
science education stream. It is also perceived that Science education is difficult to get job
opportunities in labor market when compared to social science education. Students perceive
Science education as more difficult to do than social science. Moreover, Students’ lack
Science laboratory practices in earlier grades. Regarding implications of students
perceptions for 70:30 admission to tertiary education; students do not complete their
studying in science education because they have the plan to drop from science stream,
Schools are not preparing students to become familiar with science initiative activities in the
school. Therefore, respondents were still lacking positive perceptions towards science
education streaming practices at school level. Hence, in order to attract students’
participation in science education stream and to enhance countries’ manpower in science
and technology, it is better if more attention was taken by education offices ,particularly,
Kembata Tembaro Zone Town administration. To improve students‟ participation, Schools
also practice students streaming based on students interest and ability rather than forcing
students to be enrolled in natural science stream. Finally, further studies can be conducted in
same area considering data from rural schools to get the full picture of problem.
