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Challenges facing the implementation of inclusive education in public primary schools; a case of Mashuuru district in Kajiado county Kenya.
No full textABSTRACT
Inclusive education is practical internationally and nationally including rift valley province. This study was aimed at determining the challenges facing the implementation of inclusive education in Public primary schools in Mashuuru District, Kajiado County. The objectives of the study were: to establish the number of the children with special needs enrolled in public primary schools in Mashuuru district, Kajiado County, find out the availability of physical facilities to enhance inclusive education in Mashuuru District, Kajiado County, analyses the factors influencing the development of inclusive Education in Mashuuru District, Kajiado county, Examine the teaching techniques used by teachers to enhance inclusive education in Mashuuru District, Kajiado county. The literature reviewed indicates that inclusive education is beneficial in that students with special needs in inclusive classes do better academically and socially than their counterparts in a non -inclusive setting. This study used a descriptive survey design because it was a study seeking information from head teachers and teachers. The target population was Public primary school, teachers and head teachers of public primary schools in Mashuuru District. Twelve public primary school were randomly selected. The sample of the study was fifty two teachers and twelve head teachers. The research study employed both qualitative and quantitative techniques in collecting and analyzing data. The study used two sets of instruments which were administered and data collected was analyzed using the statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study were presented using statistical and graphical techniques. The results of the findings were that Teachers indicated that only 10% of the pupils with special needs were enrolled in class one, 13% of the pupils with special needs were enrolled in class two, 8% of the pupils with special needs were enrolled in class three, 15 % of the pupils with special needs were enrolled in class four, 10% of the pupils with special needs were enrolled in class five, 5% of the pupils with special need were enrolled in class six, 31 % of the pupils with special needs were enrolled in class seven, and 8% of the pupils with special needs were enrolled in class eight. The study showed 92.19% of the respondents who were teachers and head teachers answered and interview schedules the questionnaires, which was adequate for the analysis of the data. The study showed that 91.67% of the respondents who answered the questionnaires who were teachers stated that there were no physical facilities to enhance inclusive education in Mashuuru District, Kajiado county, the study also showed that 31.25%-of the respondents showed that personnel proficiency which lacked had no effect on the development of inclusive education, 64.58% of the respondents stated that availability of finance very greatly affects the development of inclusive education while 70.83% stated that lack of management support very greatly affects the development of inclusive education in Mashuuru District, Kajiado county. The study also showed that 54.55% of the teachers used the learning resources while teaching always while 72.72% as stated by the head teachers, believed the learning resources, were less adequate in the promotion of inclusive education. Areas of further research were identified which included the need for public primary schools to admit pupils with special needs, the need for Physical facilities. Programmed teachers' conferences, seminars, workshops and training of more teachers
Factors that influence retention of secondary school students in Isiolo district Kenya.
No full textLow retention signifies unfulfilled aim, goals and objectives for the individual, unity and the nation as a whole, which translates to wastage. The government - continuously intervened in the provision of free secondary education in Isiolo district, extending government and CDF bursaries to needy students but a number of dents actually fail to complete their secondary education. The purpose of this study • to investigate the factors that influence retention of secondary school students in •010 District. The research targeted 3400 students, 238 teachers, 17 principals and a District Education Officer in Isiolo District making it a comprehensive total of 3,655. Out of this, a sample of 5 principals, 25 teachers, 150 students were picked using systematic sampling and a D.E.O making a total of 181. The research used a descriptive survey research design and systematic random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and observation checklist after a pilot test conducted in Garbatula District in two schools. Analysis was done by use of statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) frequency and tables. The study revealed that the retention rate in Isiolo District was about 63.98%. From the findings • was concluded that socio-cultural factors impact on student retention in secondary schools within Isiolo District. The main socio-cultural issues that impact negatively on student retention in the district include female genital mutilation (FGM), religion, early marriage, tribal animosity and pastoralism. In addition, the study concluded that some students drop out of schools due to indiscipline cases. The impact of political factors was not one of the main factors that contribute to student drop out in the district. Thus, it was that even though political issues may contribute to student drop out, it is not a main factor in Isiolo District. From the findings it was noted that head teachers use various modalities to reduce student drop outs in their schools. These include involving students in school management through student council, provision of guidance and counseling services and putting in place rules and regulations to encourage discipline in schools. Other factors such as financial constraints, bad government policies, administrative issues, inadequate resources and poor student teacher relation emerged as other contributing factors to student drop out in the district. The study therefore, made various recommendations. First, parents should be sensitized to shun socio-cultural issues that contribute to low retention in Isiolo District. Second, parents and teachers should join hands in order to address the issue of discipline among students in order to increase student retention in secondary schools in Isiolo District. Third, head teachers and politicians should embrace dialogue in order to reduce political interference in the running of schools in the district. Finally, head teachers should be proactive in addressing challenges facing students such as inadequate resources and poor teaching methods
Analysis of the effect of voluntary corporate disclosures on company's financial performance. A survey of listed companies in Nairobi Securities exchange
No full textHF 5658.J8 2013In recent years, the Kenyan Government has initiated reforms at the Nairobi Securities
Exchange aimed at transforming the exchange into a vehicle for mobilizing domestic savings and attracting foreign capital investments. Consequently, the level of voluntary disclosure is a vital part of the process for building investor confidence either local or foreign and trust and this may affect firm financial performance. Kenyan companies have engaged in voluntary corporate disclosure as a means to enhance the value of their stocks, reduce a firm's cost of capital by reducing information asymmetry which leads to better firm financial performance. Information disclosure in itself is a strategic tool, which enhances a company's ability to raise capital at the lowest cost possible. The thesis aim was to analyze the effect of voluntary corporate disclosure on firm financial performance on companies listed in Kenya. It was a survey of listed companies in Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The purpose of the study was to determine how strategic disclosure, board structure disclosure and corporate social responsibility disclosure affects company's financial performance. The research was conducted on all 57 companies listed in NSE. The respondents were the finance managers of the 57 companies listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange totaling to a sample size of 57 respondents. Data was collected from the respondents by use of a questionnaire. The data collected was then analyzed using descriptive and multi linear regression. Descriptive data was presented in the form of frequency tables. The study established that there exist effects of board structure, strategic and CSR disclosures on firm financial performance. It also established that there is a positive relationship between board structure, strategic and CSR disclosures and firm financial performance of companies listed at the NSE. The study concluded that effects of voluntary corporate disclosure have helped listed companies disclose their voluntary information more effectively and efficiently and this may end up giving a competitive threat to other listed companies in having a better financial performance. The researcher recommended that in order to realize the factors that affect voluntary corporate disclosure on firm financial performance, strategic disclosure, board structure disclosure and CSR disclosure should be increased to reduce the information asymmetry in the market
An investigation of principals' manegerial effectiveness on students achievement in KCSE; a case of Imenti North district Meru county.
No full textThe education system in Kenya is largely examination oriented. The qua! ity of education tends to be evaluated in terms of the number of students passing national examinations. Educators and the general public have time and again expressed concern over factors that influence students performance in examinations. The principals' role in secondary schools is to promote academic performance within the schools. The success of what is done in the school is attributed to the principal's ability to coordinate resources in an effective and efficient manner, which consequently, translate to improved academic performance in their respective schools. The principal is the pivot around which many aspects of the school revolve, being the person in charge of every detail of
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running the school, be it academic or administrative, his managerial effectiveness can make a difference between poor performance or improved performance. It is therefore, important that the performance of a school is appraised against the performance of the person who leads it. The purpose of the study was to investigate the managerial effectiveness of the principals in academic achievement in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations in Imenti North District, in Meru County. The study was occasioned by the continued poor performance by most secondary schools in lmenti North District. The study used descriptive research design from which a sample of 294 respondents was chosen using stratified sampling method. Schools were classified into high performing with an average mean score of 5.5 and above, average performing with an average mean score of 4.0 - 5.49, and low performing with an average mean score below 4. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the findings of the study drawn according to research questions presented. Considering the findings of this study, it was revealed that principals used quality improvement measures and teamwork that ensured the staff was well established with organizational skills that influenced academic achievement. The Principals were also involved in academic activities by observing and checking the students' and teachers' work, monitoring students' discipline and helping in eradicating cheating in examinations. In conclusion, based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that, a clear policy be developed showing the yardstick for establishing and measuring managerial effectiveness in secondary schools and also the Ministry of Education needs to train practicing and aspiring secondary school principals on school managerial programs necessary to equip them with skills to run their respective schools
Factors influencing secondary school students' aspirations to higher learning in day secondary schools in Nyeri Central district, Nyeri county, Kenya
No full textThe inspiration of secondary school students, especially the poor performing students found in day schools, has been critical in relation to their low transition into higher learning institutions. This has been influenced by: poverty at the household level which forces parents to make a
hoice as to which children to enroll in school; socio-cultural attitudes and practice; teachers' attitudes, behavior and teaching practices; lack of role models; poor teaching; and lack of
onducive environment, which lead to lack of motivation. This study aimed at investigating the factors influencing day secondary school students' aspiration levels for higher education. The study specifically assessed the contributing factors such as role of the individual students, parents, schools, socio-economic environment and the government. Several theories were used to guide the study. In addition, the study attempted to explain the aspiration concept using the motivation, social cognitive, selfdetermination and Goal-setting theories. The study took place in Nyeri Central District. The research adopted a survey research design. The study adopted a quantitative research approach which involved in collection of numerical data. The study was also explanatory and cross sectional in nature as it aimed at describing the sample at a particular point in time. The target population of this study comprised all day-scholars from secondary
chools in Nyeri Central District. The sample size was arrived at through simple random and tratified sampling. The researcher selected 48 form fours and 16 teachers of 8 day secondary chools in Nyeri Central District. The study applied structured questionnaires and in-depth
interview instruments to ensure validity of the study. The collected data was coded and entered into a computer data analysis program, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) ersion 17.0 software for onwards analysis and interpretation. The findings established that most day school students had moderate aspirations for higher learning. This has been contributed to by
chool-based factors, students, and socio-economic, parent and government factors respectively.
The recommended interventions include; enhancement of teaching and learning environment, students motivations, empowerment of community, sensitization and role model programs and promotion of day secondary schools
Processing, blending and utilization of cassava flour in Kilifi district of coast province of Kenya
No full textCassava is ranked second after maize in importance as a food crop and second as root crop after Irish potatoes, in Kenya. The crop is grown throughout Kenya and utilization is mostly through roasting and boiling of fresh roots for consumption. Processing and value addition for the crop is minimal. The study undertook to evaluate dry, wet and traditional cassava processing methods for efficiency in nutrient recovery. Harvesting of roots for processing was done while ensuring minimal damage and subsequently peeling in water. For the traditional method cassava was sliced in to 9:5:2 cm cubes using knives. For the modern processing chipping was done by a chipper and chips divided into halves of 4kg each. The 1st half was processed by wet method and the 2°d half by dry method. Sampling of dried chips from each processing method was done in triplicates. The samples were analyzed for calcium and phosphorus content and thereafter milled and blended with wheat. The blends with cassava levels of 0%, 25%, 50% 75% and I 00% were used to make mahamri and chapati. The products were then tested for acceptability by 30 panelists on the basis of colour, taste, aroma and texture using a 5 point ordinal scale. Results showed more phosphorus and calcium were recovered from varieties - Karembo and Tajirika using dry method. All blends produced chapati and mahamri with mean scores of 3). Higher levels of cassava >50% resulted to poor leavening in mahamri. It also resulted to poor moulding qualities in chapatti. The study therefore concluded that dry method is efficient for optimal nutrient recovery. In addition, in order to get acceptable organoleptic attributes in mahamri and chapatti, cassava should be blended with wheat flour at levels of 50% and below
Impact of alcoholism on parental care of school children: A case of Miriga Mieru West Division in Meru county.
No full textThis study is a research to find out the impact of alcoholism on the parental care of school going children in Miragamieru West division. This is because many parents have neglected their school going children thus raising the school dropout rate. Children going to school lack basic necessities like pens, books, fees and personal effects.
The number of idlers in the markets has increased in Mirigamieru West division. The rate of alcoholic drinks taking has also increased. The health of some of the parents who are heavily indulged into alcohol taking has deteriorated. Deaths of parents in unclear circumstance have occurred. Domestic violence and immoral practices like rape and violence in general has increased. The ageing parents are complaining that their daughters and sons are taking alcoholic drinks and thus neglecting their grandchildren who are in school. Women (members) at the church have complained of the many problems they face that are related to alcoholism of their spouses (husbands) and children especially sons. Alcoholism has been found to be a factor that has led to poor parental care to school going children where they are affected socially, emotionally and financially.
Data has been collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). From the data analysis, it has been found that some parents are heavily indulged into alcoholism and thus wasting a lot of family resources thus failing to cater for the school going children well.
It has been recommended that the Government should ensure that only the approved alcoholic drinks are sold to the parents in Mirigamieru West Davison for the illicit brews are killing them slowly thus raising the number of orphans. Government agents involved in the law enforcement should be serious in implementing jhe government alcoholic policy. The corrupt administrators should be sacked for they are encouraging the consumption of the illicit brews that are killing parents in the division at a high rate thus affecting the school going children
Role of headteacher leadership style on KCSE performance in public secondary schools in Turkana district of Kenya
No full textThe headteachers' role is to promote academic performance. He or she is the pivot around which many aspects of the school revolve (Ramsey, 1999). Schools can make a difference to student achievement and the headteachers' leadership is one factor determining that success (Millette, 1988). It is • therefore important that the performance of a school is appraised against the performance of the person who leads it. The study sought to investigate the impact of head teacher leadership style on performance in KCSE in Turkana district of Kenya. Specific objectives of the study were: to identify headteachers' leadership styles based on Bolman and Deal's theory of leadership frame, extent of use of the leadership styles; and how it influences KCSE performance among secondary schools in Turkana District. The data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis guide. The secondary schools were stratified into high performing, average performing and low performing schools. A total 176 respondents participated in the study. The findings of the study showed that Symbolic leadership style of the school's head teachers has a negative effect on school performance in public secondary schools in Turkana. Performance in KCSE in public secondary schools in Turkana is positively correlated to the human resource leadership style employed by school headteachers and that it is the most used style in schools. There was a strong relationship between human leadership style of head teachers leadership and KCSE performance
An investigation of the principals role in influencing secondary school students academic performance; a case of Tetu district, Nyeri county, Kenya.
No full textAccording to the Kenya National Examinations Council, the results indicates that there has been low academic performance in National Examinations in Tetu District as indicated by the year 2005-year 2010) (K.N.E.C 2005-201 K.C.S.E analysis). There has been a concern over the deteriorating results among the stakeholders in education in this area. Academic performance in school is a challenging task and it is also a collective responsibility of the teachers, parents, and the Ministry of Education, specifically, and all other stakeholders, generally. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of principals and how it affects academic performance in secondary schools in Tetu District. The objectives of the study was to establish whether there was a relationship between leadership styles and academic performance, to investigate whether interpersonal relationships influence students' academic performance in national examinations in Tetu District. The location of the study was Tetu District, Nyeri County. A sample of 12 schools was drawn from the 27 public schools in Tetu District. A sample of 12 principals, constituted the subjects. The study used inferential statistics for analysis since the data was quantitative in nature. The primary data was collected, coded and analysed through the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The leadership styles, interpersonal relationship, provision of resources, teachers conduct and student discipline are significant factors influencing academic performance in national examinations in Tetu District. The researcher recommends that all the factors influencing academic performance should be addressed and be handled collectively by all the stakeholders who include the teachers who manage teaching, learning, and physical facilities in schools. The parents who should ensure that the student are catered for in school and the Government through the Ministry of Education should give clear guidance and invest in leadership workshops for the school principals
Effects of parental involvement on children's academic achievement in public secondary schools.(Kieni West district, Nyeri county Kenya.
No full textABSTRACT
Parental involvement in children's education from an early age has a significant effect on educational achievement and continues to do so in adolescence and adulthood (Siraj¬Blatchford & Taggart, 2004). This study was set to investigate the effects of parents' involvement in their children's academic achievement in twenty one public secondary schools in Kieni West District in Nyeri County-Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: (i) Investigate the nature of parents' involvement in their children's academic achievement; (ii) Establish to what extent factors influencing parental involvement contribute to their children's academic achievement; (iii)Investigate teachers' views about parents' involvement in the learners' academic achievement; (iv) Explore the learners' views about parents' involvement in their academic achievement. The literature reviewed indicates that parents are concerned with the education of their children and that parents and teachers talk together about problems concerning students. This study used a descriptive survey design because it was a onetime study seeking the opinion of parents, teachers and students. Mugenda and Mugenda, (2003) support the use of descriptive survey because it gives the researcher a chance to create rapport with the respondents as the researcher gets to the bottom of the study. Twelve public secondary schools were randomly selected. The population of the study was five thousand three hundred and eighty one students. In total, 130 form three students, 76 teachers and 113 parents participated in this study. The research study employed both qualitative and quantitative techniques in collecting and analyzing data. The study purposively sampled form three students. The study used two sets of instruments namely: questionnaire for teachers and students and a structured interview schedule for parents. These instruments were piloted for reliability and validity. Once piloted, the instruments were administered and data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).The findings of the study were presented using statistical and graphical techniques. The results of the findings were that, students strongly agreed (89%) that their parents attend all school programmed meetings while 70.8% of their parents check homework. The study showed that 76% of the students strongly agreed that their parents had high hopes in them. The findings of the study indicated that 84.7% of the parents interviewed participated in school events and activities while 71.6% monitored homework. Parents' responses indicated that 92% believed that their involvement is beneficial to the teachers in aiding in their children's education progress. In addition 98.2% felt that organized parental involvement programmes can improve their relationship with their children. The findings further indicated that lack of school fees; poor education background of the parents and lack of adequate time to assist their children affected their level of involvement. Major recommendations included among others identifying the type of parental involvement in place, parent's awareness programmes through seminars and workshops and holding teacher parents conferences. Areas of further research were identified