Influence of headteachers' management practices on pupils' academic performance at Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination in Teso north district, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of head teachers' management practices on the pupil's performance at Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in Teso North district, Busia county, Kenya. The study sought to fulfill the following objectives: (i) To establish the extent to which human resources management in schools by head teachers influence pupils' performance at K.C.P.E; (ii) To determine the ways financial management by head teachers influence pupils' performance in K.C.P.E; (iii) To establish the extent to which head teachers' teaching/learning resource management influence pupils' performance K.C.P .E. The study was guided by a scientific management theory that was postulated by Fredrick Taylor. A descriptive survey research design was adopted to guide this study. The data for the study was collected using questionnaires. The instrument was delivered to the respondents by the researcher. A sample of20 head teachers, 150 teachers and 250 pupils was drawn from 20 public primary schools in Teso North district which were selected randomly out of 67 public primary schools in the district. Descriptive statistics were used in analysis. The data was presented in frequencies and percentages. The results of this study revealed that the management practices by head teachers influenced poor performance of pupils at K.C.P.E. in the district. The study found that poor human resource management by head teachers significantly influenced poor academic performance of pupils at KCPE. In relation to financial management the data obtained reveals that even schools received funds both from the government and parents. These funds were not prudently managed. This consequently affected allocation of school resources meant to enhance teaching/learning process. The study findings also revealed that most schools had inadequate teaching/learning resources and this contributed to poor performance.