An Assessment of the Importance of School Supervision on Academic Performance of Primary Schools: A Case Study of Bushenyi–Ishaka Town Council, Bushenyi District

Abstract

KABEIZI DOREEN (2007-MO53-10009) An Assessment of the Importance of School Supervision on Academic Performance of Primary Schools: A Case Study of Bushenyi–Ishaka Town Council, Bushenyi District The general objective of the study was to assess the importance of school supervision on academic performance of primary schools in Bushenyi-Ishaka town council. The study found a gap in the assessment of school supervision on academic performance that necessitated the study to be carried out. A descriptive research design was employed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 primary schools from which the study was done. Two teachers and 3 SMC members were selected from each school. Two inspectors of schools and 12 head teachers were selected by virtue of their responsibility in school supervision and academic performance. During the analysis of the collected data, quantitative data was coded, and frequencies and percentages computed. Qualitative information was analysed according to the study themes using narrative analysis. The key findings showed that: transparent and regular monitoring of all school activities improves academic performance, external supervision is too much distanced from the schools and their activities, small classes are easily taught and supervised and this allows active participation of pupils in classroom activities. Therefore, promoting effective learning and supervision of schools is highly affected by ineptitude and ignorance about the advantages of school supervision by the supervised. It was concluded from the study that regular and spontaneous monitoring and supervision of teachers and school activities improves the quality of education; the distance between external supervision and the school is too wide to improve academic performance; ineptitude and ignorance of the supervised affect both academic performance and school supervision. The researcher recommends that for academic performance to improve as a result of school supervision, transparent and regular monitoring and supervision of schools should be emphasised to improve academic performance of primary schools and other educational institutions and that supervision should become an internal school process and be integrated in the school‟s daily management and operation. Keywords: Academic Performance, School Supervision, Bushenyi District