FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO EDUCATIONAL WASTAGE (DROPOUT AND REPITITION) AT PRIMARY SCHOOLS: THE CASE OF WEST BADAWACHO WOREDA IN HADIYYA ZONE, SNNP R, ETHIOPIA

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