FACTORS INFLUENCING HOUSEHOLDS‘ CHOICE OF SCHOOL: EXPLORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND LIMITS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN ACHIEVING UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION IN TECHIMAN MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract

There have been limited empirical studies on this subject matter in the Techiman Municipal area, hence the need for this study. The objective of this study is to ascertain why households in the Techiman Municipality choose to enroll their children in private basic schools when free public basic schools are available. The research design of this study was a cross-sectional survey that sought to analyze factors influencing household‘s choice of school. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches were used to collect data. The study interviewed key informants using an in-depth interview technique and administered questionnaire to household heads and owners of private basic schools. The socioeconomic statuses of households such as household income, occupation and household head's education have substantial influence on the choice of type of basic school. Higher status households are more likely to enroll their children in private schools and are also less likely to mention cost, which is associated with public school enrollment as a determinant of household‘s choice of school type. The findings suggest that performance of schools in BECE plays an important role in households‘ choice of type of school and the growth of private basic schools in the municipality is a result of the failings of the public school system. The private basic schools in the municipality help to increase access to education, promote competition and effective supervision of pupils and teachers. The private schools in the municipality face challenges such as high taxes, financial constraints, and frequent transfers of pupils, default in payment of school fees and inadequate teaching and learning materials. In conclusion, it is the relatively better-off households that enroll their children in private schools. As a result, the study recommends that it would be in the interests of the poor if the performance of the public basic schools is improved. Therefore, GES should promote effective accountability and supervision in public basic schools which could help to improve their performance in BECE. www.udsspace.uds.edu.gh iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The outcome of this research work could not be attributed to the effort of the researcher alone. I am heartily thankful to my supervisor, Dr. Abdulai Abubakari, whose patience, encouragement, guidance and significant role from the commencement of the research work to the final stage enabled me to develop an understanding of the subject and to write this thesis. I really appreciate the advice and services he rendered to me. I could not have imagined having a better supervisor than him. My deepest gratitude goes to all individual participants who availed themselves to be interviewed in offering their experiences and ideas that made the research a success. Special thanks go to the Techiman Municipal Director of Education for giving me permission and introductory letter that made data collection easy for me. I also owe my deepest gratitude and appreciation to my family for their unfailing love, prayers and care. God richly bless you all.