Improving Academic Performance in Primary Schools Through School Committees in Nzega District, Tanzania
The study focused on assessing the role of school committees in improving the academic performance in primary school leaving examinations in Nzega district. The study sought to address three research objectives which included: assess the functions of School Committees in the improvement of academic performance in Primary School Leaving Examinations; To investigate the effect of the school committees on the academic performance in Primary School Leaving Examinations in Nzega District and to find out ways to enhance the functioning of schools committees in improving students academic performance in in Nzega District. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used to collect, analyze and discuss the findings. A sample of one hundred and three (103) respondents was purposely and random selected from 10 research sites i.e. primary schools. Participants included three District officers, 10 head teachers, 15 members of the school committees, 15 teachers, and 60 pupils. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary review. The findings revealed that School committee members, District Education Officers, parents, and teachers were not effectively supervising pupils. It was also found that school committee members were neither committed nor actively involved in the day to day school operation. This led to many schools being under resourced and mismanage few resources that were available, consequently, resulting in accelerated poor academic performance. The study thus recommends that, more effort should be invested on the capacity building of the school committee members, school management as well as teachers. Parents and the entire community should take up serious measures to control pupils’ attendance and thus minimize truancy.
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