Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess factors contributing to educational wastage in
primary schools of West Badawacho woreda, Hadiya Zone, SNNPR. To achieve the
objective of the study a descriptive survey research design was employed. From 28
primary schools 8 schools were selected as sample schools by using purposive sampling
technique. The participants of the study were consists of that 158 teachers, 8
principals and 8 supervisors. Teachers were selected through random sampling
techniques, principals, and supervisors were selected using the census. Questionnaires
were used to collect the quantitative data and interviews were used to substantiate the
results of the study through quantitative data. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the
quantitative data; the qualitative data coded and analyzed in the study under the
respective objectives. Current status of educational wastage due to drop-out and
repetitions were bringing high educational wastage. Regarding to student-related
factors, failure to study hard, lack of interest in education and students’ frequent
absenteeism were among factors contributing educational wastage. Poor teaching
methodology, less management system and professionally disappointed teachers were
teachers-related factors contributing to educational wastage. Regarding to schoolrelated
factors, staff conflict and schools internal rules were among factors contributing
to educational wastage. Regarding socio-economic background of families, students’
involvement in income generating activities and parents’ perceptions of benefits of
education were highly determining factor in the study area. Improving access to
schooling, strengthening community and school relation and improving teaching
methods and assessment practice were some of possible solutions. Based on the findings,
the researcher recommended that school principals, woreda education office and other
top management bodies have to give sustainable fund raising to fill the school gaps and
closely follow to make conducive environment for students
