The influence of parents’ socio-economic status on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Keumbu Division, Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Academic performance among students is influenced by numerous factors. Yet, excelling in academics is important in ensuring that students not only pass exams but also lead rewarding lives. What influence does socio-economic status play in academic performance? The present study therefore, sought to determine the influence of parents’ socio-economic status on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools. The study utilized one hundred and fifty (150) respondents drawn from sixteen secondary schools in Keumbu Division. Respondents were selected using purposive as well as systematic sampling approaches within descriptive survey design. Data were collected using a specially designed questionnaires and interview schedules as the research tools and analyzed descriptively. To establish validity, experts were used to assess the concepts of the instrument purported to measure, the adequacy of the scales, and whether items represented accurately the variable under investigation. In addition, through pilot testing any ambiguities were checked. A test0-retest method was employed, allowing a period of two weeks interval between the first and second administration, to estimate the reliability of the instrument. The instrument yielded a coefficient of correlation of 0.7852. The researcher utilized the Social Learning Theoretical framework to interpret the results of the study. The study established that socio-economic status plays a significant role in influencing students’ academic performance. It was concluded that the lower the parents socio-economic status the lower the students average grade and number of points in performance. Conversely, the higher the parents socio-economic status the higher the academic performance of the students. It implies that parents’ socio-economic status influences the performance of the students in secondary schools. Key words: Socio-economic status, academic performance.