This study was carried out in Urambo District to determine the factors leading to
poor academic performance in Community Secondary Schools. Both simple random
and purposive sampling were used to select the responded; primary data were
collected using questionnaires, interview and field observation whereas secondary
data were collected from statistical records found in the district education office.
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics incorporated in Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16.0. The findings indicated that, the poor
performance in form four examinations was associated with poor working
environment for teachers, poor supply of teaching and learning materials (61.6%),
high teacher-students ratio (1:65) and poor teaching methodology (46%). It was
further found that, the effects of parental involvement on student academic
achievement depend on both school characteristics and the nature of parental
involvement in that, when students are having trouble with school, their parents are
more likely to become involved by maintaining contact with the school. Teacherstudent
ratio was positively correlated with the achievement scores. It can be
concluded that inadequate teaching and learning materials, high teacher-student ratio
and poor working environment have a significant impact on student achievement.
From the findings, it is recommended that there should be conducive working
environment for teachers, adequate supply of teaching and learning materials,
provision of motivation to teachers, proper recruitment and in-service training for
teachers, a good education policy, teachers being responsible and accountable, use of
proper teaching and learning methods, as well as community participation in schools
activities and good child care.