Influence of Socioeconomic Status of Parents on the Scholastic Achievement of Mathematics Students in Selected Secondary Schools within Ado LGA of Ekiti State

Abstract

The investigation explored the influence of socioeconomic status of parents regarding the academic successes of math students in chosen secondary schools located in the Ado LGAof Ekiti State. The study encompassed both public and private educational institutions, employing a straightforward random sampling technique to select five secondary schools and sixty students. Information was gathered via a self-designed questionnaire with distinct sections A and B, concentrating on demographic details and parental elements such as education level, family background, income, and occupational status in relation to students' performance in Mathematics. The instrument underwent face and content validity procedures, and the results were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient, yielding a value of 0.85. Hypotheses were evaluated through Chi-square analysis, and data were presented using pie charts and tables. The outcomes unveiled a significant influence of parent’ educational background, family background, occupation, and income level on the academic success of mathematics students. The researcher recommends the implementation of financial assistance programs for families with lower incomes to ensure equitable access to quality mathematics resources. Moreover, schools are encouraged to establish initiatives and parental engagement programs, fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment. The study advocates for policy changes to promote fairness in mathematics education for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.