Educational policies and academic performance of students in selected public secondary schools in Wakiso District

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the influence of educational policies on academic performance in selected secondary schools in Wakiso District. It was guided by three objectives to examine the effect of curriculum, pedagogical and resource education policies on students’ academic performance in selected secondary schools in Wakiso District. The study was both quantitative and qualitative, cross-sectional involving a number of 78 teachers and 217 students, 10 headteachers, 10 Board of Governors members who were selected purposively. The main research instruments were self administered questionnaire and interview guide. The study variables were correlated using Pearson’s correlation co-efficient index. The findings of the study revealed a positive significant relation between curricular, pedagogical and resource educational policies on students’ academic performance in Wakiso District. It was thus concluded that curricular, pedagogical and resource educational policies have a positive significant relationship on students; academic performance in the selected public secondary schools in Wakiso District. It was therefore recommended that if students’ academic performance is to be improved in secondary schools in Wakiso District, Ministry of Education and Sports and the various stakeholders in the education sector should make curricular policies in line with student and community needs. Encourage teachers to use participative teaching methodologies and finally should design and follow appropriate resource mobilization, allocation, and control practices so as to utilize them to boost students’ academic performance.