School Governance Systems and Academic Performance: A Case study of Primary School in East Division of Lira City, Northern Uganda

Abstract

Background: The study was on school governance systems and academic performance of primary schools in Lira City East Division, Lango sub-region. Lira City was selected for the study because it is the education capital of sub-region. The purpose of the study was to examine the contribution of school governance system to academic performance of primary pupils in primary leaving examinations. Methods: The study used a correlational design, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A total of 8 primary schools participated in the study. The sample size of this study was 200 (Two hundred) respondents, determined by census. The data was analyzed using chi-square statistic, correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression model. The chi square correlation was used to test the relationship between school governance systems as independent variables and academic performance as dependent variables while linear regression was to check the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variables. Findings: The findings indicate that the office of School head-teacher has significant effect on performance as indicated that School management committee (SMC) also had significant positive effect on performance. However, the study revealed that parents Techers Association (PTA) and school prefectural bodies do not have significant effect on academic performance. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study was that management committee and office of the head teacher play important roles in academic performance of pupils. Recommendation: Based on the findings, the study recommends a deliberate, structured and capacity building programs for members of parent Teacher Association to give the capacity to plan, budget and ensure prudent use of school resources. Regular leadership trainings for school prefects is required to enable them create a link between the administration and the pupil’s body Keywords: School Governance Systems, and Academic Performance