THE PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF NORTH SHOA ZONE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice of community participation in secondary schools of North Shoa Zone. The research design employed in the study was descriptive survey. Questionnaire, interview and document analysis were used to collect data. Questionnaire were used for 218 teachers, 23 principals and 12 supervisors, interview were used for 21 Parent Teacher Association heads, 8 Woreda Education Office heads and 1 Zone Education Office head. The quantitative data were analyzed by using percentage, frequency, mean scores and ANOVA. The findings of the study indicated that, there was statistically significant relationship between community participation and students ’academic achievement. Results also indicated that the extent that community participation supports students’ academic achievement was medium and community mostly participated in school financing and school management . Similarly lack of transparency and awareness of community on school activities and less relationship among the community and school to discus on student achievement were seen as serious challenges. The strategies like school bazaars, conferences, parent teacher assembly and parent days were used to strengthen the community participation. Therefore, the study conclude that, the less support of the community contribute for poor students’ academic achievement. On the other hand it can be concluded that lack of common understanding about their schools were also challenges to students’ academic achievement. Based on the findings and conclusions it was recommended that teachers, principals ,supervisors, Woreda Education Office and Zone Education Office had better to promote community awareness and community-school relationship .It was suggested that Regional Education Beauro, Zone Education Office and Woreda Education Office had better to strengthen the competency of the existing school management and local educational administrators in the way they can maximize the community participation.