Effects of socio-economic background on academic performance: a survey of secondary schools in Keiyo District

Abstract

The title of this study is the effects of socio-economic background on academic performance: A survey of secondary schools in Keiyo District. This study therefore, was to investigate the effect of socio-economic background on academic performance of secondary schools students in Keiyo District. It was also to seek ways of improving academic performance in all socio-economic statuses. The study was a descriptive survey involving 10 out of 31 secondary schools in Keiyo District. The schools were chosen from five divisions, Kamariny, Chepkorio, Soy, Tambach and Metkei. At least one school was chosen from each division. A purposive sampling of two mixed schools (boys/girls), four girls' schools and four boys' schools was done. A purposive sampling method was used to select nine form four students from sample schools, three from upper social class, three from middle social class and three from lower social class. A total of 90 students were used in the study. Headteachers and students were incorporated in the study. A closed-ended questionnaire administered to the students and teachers concerned were interviewed. Secondary data was extracted from examination results used for the academic measurement from schools external examination records. The research instruments were piloted in Five schools. Experts in the School of Education and human resources development confirmed the validity of the questionnaire and its reliability was confirmed through piloting. Questionnaires, interviews and external exam results were used in the data collection. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis of the collected data. In descriptive statistics, the researcher used measures of central tendency (frequencies and percentages). The information obtained from the results of the research will be used to make policies that will improve academic performance in all socio-economic statuses.