PARENTS’ ECONOMIC STATUS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN SELECTED UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION SCHOOLS IN BUTAGAYA SUBCOUNTY- JINJA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY.

Abstract

Background: The academic performance of primary school pupils in government schools has been declining in Butagaya Sub County, Jinja district. Several challenges including absenteeism and school dropout had been reported. The study examined the relationship between parents’ economic status and the academic performance of primary pupils in selected primary schools in Butagaya Sub County. Specifically, it examined: the relationship between: i) parents’ level of income, ii) parents’ occupation, and iii) parents’ level of education and academic performance of primary pupils at selected primary schools in Butagaya Sub-county. Methodology The study used a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional survey design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 142 respondents where were interviewed using a questionnaire and interview guide. Results: There was no significant relationship between parents' level of education and pupils' academic performance (r= 0.723, p=0.078) and between parents' occupation and pupil’s academic performance (r= 0.304, p=0.052). There was a significant relationship between parents' level of income and pupils' academic performance (r= 0.723, p=0.005). Conclusion: Generally, there was a relationship between parents’ economic status and the academic performance of primary pupils in selected primary schools in Butagaya Sub County. Recommendation: Parents should: strive hard to provide school requirements in time to curb students’ absenteeism due to lack of scholastic materials; provide extra coaching to their children using private tutors to help their children excel; Create time for revision and interaction with their children to know challenges their children face that might hinder their academic performance.

Keywords

• Parent's economic status
• Academic performance
• Primary education