The effect of smasse project on performance of Mathematics in Secondary schools in Kitui Central District, Kitui County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SMASSE on performance of mathematics in Kitui Central District, Kitui County. The study sought; to establish the influence of SMASSE administrative structure on the performance of mathematics, to determine the influence of SMASSE INSET curriculum on the performance of Mathematics, to establish the influence of teachers’ attitude towards SMASSE on the performance of Mathematics and to ascertain the influence of District Quality and Standards Office on SMASSE project on performance of mathematics in secondary schools in Kitui central district. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Census sampling was used to collect data from the 26 principals and 26 Head of mathematics department teachers in the 26 secondary schools in Kitui Central District. The questionnaires were used as the main research instruments. The questionnaires were administered to principals and head of science department teachers. Data was analyzed by both descriptive and inferential methods using the SPSS software version 20.0. The key findings for this study were; firstly, SMASSE administrative structure affected the performance of mathematics in secondary schools and that the structure needs to be changed to enhance more efficiency. This is because most of the respondents were not comfortable with the structure. Secondly, the SMASSE curriculum significantly influenced the performance of mathematics and that the curriculum needs to be amended to suit the needs of teachers. Thirdly, the study concluded that the teacher individual attitude determines the implementation of SMASSE INSET in schools since there is a strong positive correlation r(52) = 0.82, p<0.05, between teacher’s attitude about SMASSE and the performance of Mathematics. Lastly, the study concluded that there is a significant relationship between role of district quality and standards office on effectiveness of SMASSE project and the performance of mathematics. The researcher recommended that the administrative structure should include subject teachers who are well endowed with classroom experiences and curriculum be revised from time to time. The INSET should also be regular and all teachers should be involved as well as ensuring some conducive school environment to as to promote mathematics.