FACTORS THAT ACCOUNT FOR DIFFERENCES IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN BECE IN THE TAIN DISTRICT OF THE BONO REGION-GHANA

Abstract

The study investigated factors that account for differences in academic performance between public and private junior high schools in Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Tain district. Views were sampled through administration of questionnaire to the head teachers, teachers, students and focus group discussion for parents. One- on - one interview was conducted with circuit supervisors and other educational workers. The study identified school environment factors, teacher factors, student factors and role parents’ play as some of the factors causing differences in academic performance between the two schools. The study reviewed literature on historical aspect of formal education in Ghana, theoretical framework etc. Explanatory research design was used. The sample size for the study was 309. The study made used of simple random and purposive technique Data were analyzed using pie chart, percentages, bar graph, tables with the help of SPSS version 20 The study recommends that school management should provide the necessary (TLMs) to aid teaching and learning process in both schools. The District Assembly should collaborate with the District Education Directorate, PTA and Non-Governmental Organizations to at least provide one well stocked library and workshop for BDT, ICT and Science practical in all the seven circuits to pave way for students to have access to library books as well as to be exposed to practical aspects of what they learn in the classrooms.