The Relation between School Environment and School Performance in Secondary Schools of Jimma Zone

Abstract

This study examined the relation between School Environment and School Performance in Secondary Schools of Jimma zone. Specifically, this study was sought to describe the, extent school environment affect the school performance in secondary school of Jimma zone to predict the correlation between structural organizations and school performance, to assess the correlation between school environment and school performance in Secondary Schools of Jimma Zone and to identify the school environment related factors that affect the school performance. To conduct the study correlation research design was employed. To attain this objective, the study was employed mixed (quantitative and qualitative) research approach. The study was conducted in 5 secondary schools of Jimma zone. sample size was 108 teachers, 150 students, 5 principals, and 10 vice principals, with the total of 273 participants. Among these, teachers and students were participated to fill the questionnaire, the remaining principal and vice principals were participated in the interview. Data collection instruments like Questionnaire, interview and document review were employed for the study. Frequencies, percentage, mean, T-test, correlation and regression analysis was used for data analysis and interpretation. The qualitative data were obtained through interview, and documents review was narrated in word. The finding shows that school performance has a positive correlation with school facility (r=0.495 with p<0.05); The school structural organizations (r=0.487 with p<0.05) and teacher professionalism (r=0.708 with p<0.05). Consequently, r=0.804 designates that there is a strong positive relationship between school environment and school performance. The adjusted R squared of 0.626 indicates that 62.6% of the variances in school performance in secondary schools can be explained by the school environment. In conclusion a positive school environment creates best setting for teaching and learning. School environment become conducive and well facilitated school with the necessary facilities and human resources. It is recommended that school leaders should design school improvement plans that involve the school environment construct. Principals in particular need to be mindful that the environment of a school significantly affect performance.