An assessment of the role of Parents to Improve Students Academic Achievement in Jimma Zone Secondary School

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between parental involvement and students’ academic achievement of secondary schools of Jimma Zone. To conduct this study, correlational research design was employed. two (2) woredas were selected using simple random sampling technique from the preexisted four clusters. Consequently, 6 (66.6%) secondary schools were selected from the sampled woredas by simple random sampling method. In connection with this,6 principal, 48 teachers and 68 students were included in to the sample simple random sampling purposive technique. Additionally , 6 school principals and 24 PTA were also included through purposive sampling. While questionnaire was used as main tool, interview and document review were used to substantiate the data gathered through quantitative. Mean, standard deviation and Pearson correlation were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data obtained from open ended items, interview were described narrative. Document reviewed describe by percent, mean and standard devotion. The findings of the study indicated that parental involvement increases or improves students’ academic achievement. Parenting ,learning at home, communicating, collaborating with community and decision making was found to have a strong positive relationship with students’ academic performance. The study also revealed that there was not sufficient learning at home and school-parent communication. Yet, the correlation value indicated that learning at home 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 12th national exam. In view of these findings, it can be concluded that secondary school students’ academic performance was moderate. To change this problem, thus, it is recommended that, parents need to take a good role in their children’s educational activities both . Schools are strongly advised to improve parent school 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