Influence of school management committees on learners' academic performance in Kasese municipality government aided primary schools

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to analyze the influence of School Management Committees (SMCs) on improving learners' performance in Kasese Municipality; Government-aided Primary Schools. The specific objectives were to assess SMC's contribution to monitoring the utilization of resources towards academic performance of learners in Kasese Municipality Primary Schools to establish SMC's role in decision making and on learners' academic performance. The other objective was to determine SMC's involvement in the schools financial management on learners' academic performance. The study design was a descriptive cross sectional survey that included qualitative and quantitative data. Hundred respondents participated in this study including: 50 SMCS, 40 Teachers and 10 Head teachers, from 10 primary schools, selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The study employed semi structured questionnaires and interview guide to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS. The study revealed that, SMC members did play their part towards academic performance of the Schools but were faced with serious challenges in supervision, monitoring and management of schools they were in charge of, on account of low their levels of education. The study recommended that a minimum education qualification of SMC members to be established for proper functioning of SMC. Adequate training and orientation arrangement on role and responsibilities of SMC should be taken for capacity building. The selection of SMCs should include those who can effectively communicate on academic matters, monitor teachers and have capacity to contribute and mobilize facilities. Another recommendation was that Head teachers should effectively utilize SMCs in curriculum implementation and monitoring by regularly inviting SMC members to provide guidance and counseling of teachers to enhance effective academic performance.