Factors that affect school-community relations: a case study of Thika District Secondary Schools

Abstract

This study was conducted in thirteen secondary schools and among their community members. The study sample included all the thirteen headteachers, twenty-one teachers, twenty-two parents and eight members of the community. The total number of respondents was sixty-four.

The instruments for data collection were interview schedules for the headteachers, parents and community members. Questionnaires were administered to all the teachers.

The study findings showed that the main factors affecting school community members were limited opportunities that were provided by the school personnel to involve them in school affairs, policies and decisions made by educational authorities. The community members were also suspicious of the handling of funds in the school by the headteachers. They also did not desire headteachers with questionable moral principles.

From the findings, there was a need to uplift the educational standards of the community and to create awareness of school community relations. Possible ways in which to involve community members in school affairs were recommended. Suggestions for further research were made.