Community involvement in management of public secondary schools in Limuru Division, Kiambu District, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the extent of community involvement in the management of public secondary school with particular reference to financial management, physical facilities discipline and curriculum instruction. Four research questions were formulated to guide in the study. The study employed a descriptive survey. The sample consisted of 14 head teachers and 40 PTA/BOG members. Data was collected by use of questionnaires. Findings revealed that the community was involved in financial management of the schools. It was also found out that the community was involved in the provision of physical facilities. The study also revealed that the community was involved in student discipline. The community was also involved in curriculum and instruction.

The study also found out that there were difficulties encountered by head teachers as they tried to collaborate with the community. Such difficulties include lack of the community understanding on their role in school, illiteracy, negative attitude towards the schools and lack of time. Ba~ed on the findings it was concluded that the community was involved in the management of public secondary schools in Limuru Division of Kiambu District.

Based on the findings of the study, the study recommended that the community should be educated on the importance of being involved in the running of the school. It was also recommended that the head teacher should be at the front line in the establishment of good school community relations so that the community should not have a negative

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attitude towards the school. The government should initiate adult education to the people so that they community is not hindered by illiteracy in getting involved in school management. Based on the limitations and delimitations of the study, the researcher suggested that a study on the role of community in maintaining school discipline should be conducted. Another study on community influence on academic performance of secondary schools should be also be conducted. It was also suggested that a study on challenges facing school- community relations should be conducted. A study of role of

head teachers in facilitating good school-community relations should be also be conducted.