County School Research Articles

Identifying facilitators and barriers to implementing the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System in Miami-Dade County, USA: a qualitative study

BackgroundMultiple anonymous reporting systems (ARS) have been implemented to prevent school violence and improve school climate. This study examines the facilitators and barriers to implementation and the role and usability...

“Tweet of the town”: Synthesizing Local and Social Media Discourse on Book Bans

This project explores the intersection of local and online discourse around book bannings. I use the McMinn County School Board’s decision in 2022 to remove Art Spiegelman’s graphic memoir, Maus, as a case study for this discourse. Through a combination of interviews with McMinn County residents and data collected from Twitter, I argue that social media has altered local community discourse and responses to book bannings. Interviews with local residents asked them to discuss their experiences when Maus was removed by the school board and to reflect on how the local community responded amidst worldwide scrutiny once the event reached digital spaces via social media. Online discourse on Twitter involved collecting tweets mentioning the McMinn County Schools Twitter account along with tweets discussing Maus to understand the broader online response to the board’s decision. I use Danielle Allen’s discourse flow model as the theoretical framework for this project and in my initial findings, discourse around the Maus ban has traveled as described by Allen. In the age of social media, discourse frequently begins at the local level before traveling online and then back into local spaces. Ongoing data analysis has shown that locally, residents were concerned with not only the board’s decision, but also the perception of their community once news of the banning spread. This is supported by online discourse on Twitter, where initial analysis shows frequent characterization of the McMinn County community in a negative light based on the school board’s actions.

Influence of Principals’ Supervisory Practices on Teachers’ Effectiveness in Public Secondary Schools in Meru Central Sub-County Meru County, Kenya

Influence of Principals’ Supervisory Practices on Teachers’ Effectiveness in Public Secondary Schools in Meru Central Sub-County Meru County, Kenya

Evaluating the Role of Electronic Security Surveillance in Enhancing Safety in Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Trans Nzoia County, Kenya

Secondary school safety is critical to sustaining comparable academic performance outcomes. However, there are so many threats that affect the safety of schools that make up this necessity throughout the world. Security challenges in secondary schools in Kenya includes fires, theft and radicalization have been witnessed in school. Nevertheless, the application of electronic security surveillance systems still remains rather low. They work under very high risks and many schools in Trans Nzoia County are especially vulnerable leaving the school community at risk. This research aimed at evaluating the extent to which these systems enhance safety. Based on Situational Crime Prevention Theory and Contingency Theory, the study adopted descriptive survey research design and targeted 14 second schools with previous security threats and deployed with surveillance systems. Participants were 14 principals, 14 boarding teachers, 14 security personnel, 70 students- 10 students from each of the 7 schools, County Director of Education, and the Chief Fire Officer. The sample size for the study was 128 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The data was analysed through using Social Package for Social Sciences version 25. Regarding electronic surveillance system improvement of school security, 80.8 percent of respondents supported its effectiveness. When national ICT and school safety policies had been included, it was found that the improvement of these systems for the safety of schools has proved 40.9% different (R² = 0.409, F (2, 75) = 26.003, p = 0.000). Of all the forms of surveillance, the study noted that CCTV cameras were the most widely used in secondary schools. That being said, the efficiency of their use in achieving safety objectives was somewhat hampered by operational obstacles. The study therefore suggests that while emphasizing on the use of additional technologies like fire alarms, burglar alarms, Metal detectors and Biometric systems, the school management boards in collaboration with Ministry of education and ICT should devise way of extending the use of such gadgets. Secondly, to guarantee full coverage of the school premises, it is necessary to step up investment in electronic security systems, and improve the support of personnel pertaining to the detection of threats.

The tsarist policy of russification of education and the “unfavorable realities” in Bessarabia (second half of the 19th century)

The article reveals the process of radical transformation of the education system in Bessarabia in the second half of the nineteenth century, as a result of the tightening of the national policy of the Russian Empire and the intensification of the national-cultural Russification of the non-Russian peoples, the attempts of the Czarist authorities to modernize and homogenize the multinational Russian Empire, according to the model of European states. The author highlights two stages of the policy of Russification of education in Bessarabia. The first stage – years 1866-1872 – is characterized by the undermining of Romanian and mixed parochial primary schools (Romanian-Russian), the prohibition of teaching Romanian language at the regional gymnasium, theological seminary, county schools, etc, by creating a Russian primary and secondary education system in Bessarabia. The second stage – years 1873-1900 – is characterized by the attempt to radically transform the linguistic and cultural realities of the Bessarabian villages, causing the exponential growth of the number of Russian schools in rural areas, mass learning of the Russian language by the Romanian peasants in Bessarabia, the imposition of the Russian language not only in state institutions, but also in the privacy of families. The discussions in this regard within the Committee of Ministers of the Russian Empire highlighted the following dilemma: either the application of force to boost the policy of Russification, or the continuation of the policy of gradual Russification.Understanding the impasse that the Russian Empire would have entered, the authorities finally decided to achieve the goals of the policy of russification of the Romanians in Bessarabia, not through repressive methods, but „gradually and without violence”.

Waste Management Practices and Effect on Teaching and Learning in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi and Kajiado Counties, Kenya

Waste Management Practices and Effect on Teaching and Learning in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi and Kajiado Counties, Kenya

Effectiveness Of Teacher Performance Appraisal And Development On Students’ Academic Achievements In Public Secondary Schools In Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

The quality of education has been declining in Kenya national examinations which made the Teachers Service Commission to come up with an accountability tool for the teachers which led to introduction of teacher performance appraisal and development (TPAD).This study was aimed at examining the effectiveness of TPAD on students’ academic achievement in public secondary schools in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The study specifically intended to analyze the effectiveness of teacher lesson observation planning on student academic achievements students’ academic achievements. The study was informed by goal-setting theory by Okumbe, (2000). The study adopted mixed methods research design and used a mixed method approach in collecting and analyzing data. The study utilized a sample of 40 principals, 153 teachers, and 384 students drawn from four constituencies in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Stratified sampling was used to categorize schools into National, Extra County, County and Sub-County schools. Simple random sampling was used to select teachers and students from sampled schools while purposive sampling was used to select the national schools and principals from the selected schools. A structured questionnaire was used on teachers and students on a likert scale and an unstructured interview guide was administered to the principals. The two instruments were validated by expert researchers in the department of educational management and policy studies at the University of Eldoret. Descriptive statistics were made up of frequencies, percentages; means and standard deviation which were calculated and presented in tables and figures, and inferential statistics involving Pearson Correlation and Regression coefficients were calculated to test the research hypotheses. The study findings on lesson observation and students’ academic achievements indicated that there is a positive weak correlation between lesson observation frequency/intensity and student academic achievements. A coefficient of 0.243 indicates that when lesson observation increases, there is a tendency for student academic achievement to improve, albeit not very strongly. The research findings will benefit the TSC in seeking for the best way of aligning TPAD practices to students’ academic achievements. MOE, policy makers and teachers will be able to get the best out of the TPAD and assist in making future decisions pertaining to the education sector. The research study recommended regular awareness of TPAD practices in order to get the best out of these exercises

“All Eyes on McMinn:” Book Banning Discourse in the Age of Social Media

ABSTRACTThis project explores the intersection of local and online discourse around book bannings using the McMinn County School Board's decision in 2022 to remove Art Spiegelman's graphic memoir, Maus, from their school curriculum as a case study. Through interviews with McMinn County residents and data collected from Twitter, I argue that social media has altered book banning discourse. I interviewed 10 residents and asked them to discuss their experiences when Maus was removed by the school board and to reflect on how the local community responded amidst worldwide scrutiny online. Discourse on Twitter involved collecting over 2000 tweets mentioning the @McMinnCountySch account and tweets discussing Maus to understand online responses to the board's decision. I use Danielle Allen's discourse flow model as the theoretical framework for this project. In my initial findings, discourse began at the local level before traveling online and then back into the local space. Ongoing data analysis has shown that locally, residents were concerned with the board's decision along with the perception of their community once news of the banning spread. This is supported by Twitter discourse, where many tweets cast the McMinn County community in a negative light based on the school board's actions.

Partnering through pandemic recovery: an examination of a research-practice partnership in Guilford County Schools

Partnering through pandemic recovery: an examination of a research-practice partnership in Guilford County Schools

Influence of Head Teachers’ Leadership Practices on Pupils’ Learning Outcomes in Public Primary Schools in Narok North Sub County, Kenya

This study sought to investigate the influence of head teachers’ instructional leadership practices on pupils’ learning outcomes/expectations in public primary schools in Narok North Sub-County, Kenya. This was specifically addressed by seeking to establish the influence of instructional supervision and motivational strategies on pupils’ learning outcomes/expectations in public primary schools in Narok North Sub-County, Kenya. The study employed the descriptive survey design. The target population constituted 54 public primary schools in Narok North Sub-County presented by 54 headteachers and 100 grade 5 teachers. Random sampling design was used to sample 129 respondents (45 head teachers and 84 teachers) from the target population. The descriptive analysis was used to establish the perceived level of head teachers’ instructional supervision, motivational strategies and pupils’ learning outcomes. Multiple Linear regression analysis was used to establish the influence of head teachers’ instructional supervision, motivational strategies and resource provision on the pupils’ academic performance and if the influences explained was statistically significant. Multiple Linear regression analysis was used to establish the influence of head teachers’ instructional supervision and motivational strategies on the pupils’ academic performance and if the influences explained was statistically significant. The study revealed that headteachers’ instructional leadership practices consisted of classroom visitation, delegation of teaching duties, evaluation of records of work, holding conferences with teachers, lesson preparations and evaluation of pupils’ exercise books which considerably improved the learning outcomes of grade 5 Pupils in all the five subjects. Finally, the study recommended that Re-engineering workshops by the Ministry of Education should emphasize on curriculum instructional supervision leadership practices and learners’ motivational strategies with a view to improving the quality of Grade 5 Pupils’ learning outcomes in all the five subjects’ areas.

Sexual Violence and Girl Child Completion of Primary Education; A Case Study of Mitooma Sub County, Mitooma District.

The study focused on determining the relationship between sexual violence and girl child completion of primary education. Specifically, to find out how girl child sexual assault affects the completion of primary Education; to find out how girl child sexual harassment affects the completion of primary education ; to find out how effectiveness of statutory instruments in place towards sexual violence against girl child affects completion of primary Education and to find possible measures of controlling sexual harassment against girl child in primary schools in Mitooma Sub County. The study adopted cross-sectional research design with the sample size of 160 respondents, participants were selected using simple random and purposive sampling. Data was collected using questionnaire survey, interview method and focused group discussion. It was analysed using descriptive and pearson correlation coefficient. The study found out that sexual assault had a positive significant contribution to girl child completion of primary education. The study also revealed that that effect of sexual violence had a negative significant contribution to girl child completion of primary education. The study showed that effectiveness of statutory instruments had a positive significant contribution to girl child completion of primary education. The study found out that school has provided learners with basic information on how to avoid situations leading to sexual violence; sign posts have been hung in the school compound bearing messages against sexual violence; the school provides a protective environment and free from risks of sexual violence. The study recommends that government should promote gender equality and respect through incorporating gender equality and respectful relationships into school curricula. Teach children about consent, boundaries, and mutual respect from a young age. Government though police and court should ensure Immediate and Comprehensive Support for Victims by providing immediate and ongoing psychological support to help victims cope with trauma and regain confidence in their ability to learn and participate in school; Ensuring that victims have access to medical care to address any physical health issues resulting from the violence and to offer preventive and supportive care; Maintaining strict confidentiality to protect the privacy of victims and reduce the risk of stigma or further trauma. Government should periodically review and update laws and policies to address emerging trends and challenges related to sexual violence; ensure that statutory instruments cover all aspects of sexual violence, including prevention, protection, and prosecution, and address the specific needs of children. The study also recommends that there should be parent and caregiver workshops to offer workshops for parents and caregivers on recognizing signs of abuse, discussing safety with children, and understanding their role in prevention.

Relationship between Democratic Leadership Style and Students’ Academic Performance in Garissa Township, Garissa County

Most parents tend to attribute the poor performance of their children to the head teacher’s leadership style. The study sought to find out the relationship between democratic leadership style and students’ academic performance in Garissa township, Garissa County. This study was guided by Contingency and performance theory based on quantitative approach to collect data. The study adopted a correlational research design that sought to measure the relationship between the variables. The study targeted a population of 750 teachers and head teachers from 30 public secondary schools in Garissa Sub County. The sample was 200 participants consisting of 192 teachers and 8 head teachers. The sample was obtained through stratified sampling to establish the number of head teachers and teachers to be included in the study sample. Simple random sampling was used to select 8 head teachers from 30 schools and 192 teachers from 720 teachers. Questionnaires were used; one for teachers and another for head teachers to collect data. Pilot study was carried out in two neighbouring schools which were not included in the study. The data was analyzed quantitatively using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that leadership styles of Headteachers will influence performance of teachers. The data further shows that many teachers in the current schools have not stay long also these may be to some extent contributing to in experience to handle learning hence low academic performance. The study recommended that head teachers ought to be given refresher courses on appropriate leadership styles to be applied in their institutions. Sensitization is essential on mutual participation by all to meet the organizational targets. More so headteachers need to be aware of participatory leadership.

The Effect of Strategic Administrative Initiatives on Academic Performance in Kisii County’s Public Secondary Schools, Kenya

Strategic administrative initiatives in schools helps in identifying emerging trends and anticipate future challenges, allowing them to prepare and respond proactively so as to bring change in students’ academic performance. For three consecutive years (2016 -2018), Kisii County’s mean standard score in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education declined resulting to an average mean standard score of 3.765 (D+) which was still below the National Mean Standard Score of 3.962. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which strategic administrative initiatives influence academic performance. Education Production Function theory was applied. The study employed a descriptive survey design. Target population of 353 principals and 4354 teachers were considered from 353 public secondary schools in Kisii County. Slovin’s formula with a margin error of 0.05 was used to sample 28 principals and 341 teachers as respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to get school categories. Instruments for this research included: questionnaire for teachers and interview schedule for principals. Validity of research instruments was ascertained by supervisors’ inputs from the School of Education Kisii University. Questionnaires were considered reliable since Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha 0.998 obtained was higher than the critical Cronbach alpha of 0.7 on a scale of -1 to +1 by use of test re-test method. Data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative data on interview schedules were organized based on research objective and themes of study. Data was presented using percentages, means, frequency distribution tables and bar graphs for easier interpretation. This study’s findings were: The strategic administrative initiatives have a positive influence on academic performance. This study is significant as it indicates that county and sub-county secondary schools need to improve on the application of the strategic administrative initiatives in the academic activities/programs for them to do better academically. In conclusion, National and Extra- County secondary schools’ strategic administrative initiatives have a high positive influence on academic performance compared to county and sub-county secondary schools.

Factors influencing students’ attitude towards science subjects in Secondary Schools: A case study of Secondary Schools in Kisseka Sub County, Masaka District

As a result of its earliest history, science has faced a minimal level of interest in secondary schools by students and few teachers qualified for teaching. The study, therefore, was about factors influencing students’ attitudes towards science subjects in secondary schools. The study was carried out in Kisseka Sub County, Masaka District. The study was aimed at analyzing factors that influence students’ attitudes towards the sciences, analyzing current teaching and learning practices in science and mathematics, and establishing strategies that have been adopted to improve students’ attitudes towards the science subjects. Various data collection methods were used to elicit information from the respondents. These included a self-administered questionnaire, key informant interviews, and a documentary review. The data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using a computer package known as Microsoft Excel. Excel was used to generate tables, charts, and graphs. From the findings, it was found that students’ attitudes towards science subjects were generally negative. The negative students’ attitudes toward science subjects were attributed to a lack of necessary laboratory equipment, a lack of confidence and trust that the students may have towards the teachers handling the subject, low commitment by teachers, old students influence, and poor teaching methods. The teaching methods used by science teachers were said to include the use of notes and explanations, the use of practicals in the laboratory, setting constant tests for the science students, and the use of discussions. These teaching methods varied according to different secondary schools and according to their different capacities. With the above background, there is a need to encourage science and mathematics teachers to improve their classroom practices and create a conducive learning environment for students to motivate them to offer science subjects. Also, the school head teachers, in conjunction with the district education department, should recruit more trained and qualified science teachers to effectively handle science students’ needs. Keywords: Students, Science teachers, Secondary schools, Teaching methods

Challenges Tambach Student Teachers of Kiswahili Encounter in the Use of Non-Verbal Cues in Classroom Teaching in Selected Primary Schools in Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties, Kenya

Challenges Tambach Student Teachers of Kiswahili Encounter in the Use of Non-Verbal Cues in Classroom Teaching in Selected Primary Schools in Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties, Kenya

Influence of Strategic Curriculum Delivery Initiatives on Academic Performance in Kisii County’s Public Secondary Schools, Kenya

Strategic curriculum delivery initiatives in schools helps in identifying emerging trends and anticipate future challenges, allowing them to prepare and respond proactively so as to bring change in students’ academic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which strategic curriculum delivery initiatives influence academic performance. The study employed a descriptive survey design. Data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative data on interview schedules were organized based on research objectives and themes of study. Data was presented using percentages, means and frequency distribution tables for easier interpretation. This study’s findings were: The strategic curriculum delivery initiatives have got very good influence on academic performance at national and extra county schools, good at county schools and below average at sub-county secondary schools. The study, concluded that, National and Extra- County secondary schools have very good influence of strategic curriculum delivery initiatives on academic performance compared to county and sub-county secondary schools hence, the influence of the strategic curriculum delivery initiatives varies depending on the category of the school.

Job Satisfaction on productivity of Non-Teaching Staff

Job satisfaction plays a vital role in management, influencing both employee engagement and the overall workplace culture. This article is guided by the following objectives: to establish the influence of remuneration; to determine the influence of communication; to investigate the influence of the work environment; and to examine the influence of training opportunities on the productivity of non-teaching staff in public secondary schools in Baringo County, Kenya. It employs a descriptive research approach to articulate and characterize current events. The target population comprises of 327 individuals, specifically School Accountants and School Secretaries. Utilizing the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table for sample size calculation, a representative sample of 181 non-teaching staff members were selected. Simple random selection ensured each school had an equal opportunity for inclusion. Data collection involved document analysis, questionnaires and interview schedules. Descriptive analysis was applied, presenting processed data through frequency tables and percentages. Instrument validation was included, content validity, involving university lecturers and experts, while reliability was established through a pilot study, with a threshold Cronbach's alpha (α) of 0.7 indicating tool reliability. Based on the findings, it concludes that there is a moderate-positive and statistically significant correlation between remuneration on productivity of non-teaching staff in public secondary schools in Baringo Central sub county, Kenya (r = 0.531; p < 0.05).

Teachers’ Well-Being and Instructional Efficacy: Basis for Professional Development Plan

This study investigates the impact of various aspects of teacher well-being on instructional efficacy, focusing on emotional aspects, work engagement, relationships with stakeholders, sense of purpose, and accomplishments. It examines how these factors influence planning and preparation, the learning environment, instructional effectiveness, and professional responsibilities. Conducted in Roosevelt County Schools, Montana, during the 2023-2024 school year, the study used a descriptive correlational approach with mixed methods, focusing on quantitative research. Data were collected via an adapted survey from 198 teachers and analyzed using statistical tools like mean, frequency, percentage, standard deviation, Spearman Correlation Test, and Kruskal-Wallis Test. The findings revealed no significant relationship between teacher well-being and demographic profiles such as age, race, years of experience, position, and grade level. However, higher educational attainment was significantly related to emotional well-being, accomplishments, and instructional efficacy in several areas. Age also influenced professional responsibilities. The study suggests that schools should prioritize well-being initiatives tailored to teachers' specific needs to enhance instructional efficacy. By promoting support systems and focusing on well-being in their planning processes, schools can create a positive and supportive learning environment that benefits both teachers and students.

Utilization of School Infrastructure and Its Influence on Students' Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya

School infrastructure forms a major part of housing learners in learning institutions. Utilization of school infrastructure in sheltering students against harsh weather conditions facilitates better attainment of school goals. Academic performance of learners in public county secondary schools in Makueni County was low a reason to carry out this study. The purpose of this study was to determine utilization of school infrastructure and its influence on academic performance in secondary schools in Makueni County. The objective of this study was to establish the level of utilization of school infrastructure and its influence on student’s academic performance in public county secondary schools in Makueni County. The study adopted a mixed methods research design, specifically a convergent parallel research design and was supported by Education Production Function Theory. Research instruments were questionnaires and interview schedules. Validity was achieved through expert judgment and reliability by test-retest technique. The target population was 60 county secondary schools, 60 principals and 1004 teachers. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used to select the schools while systematic and purposive sampling was used to sample teachers and principals. The selected sample was 30 county schools, 30 principals, and 286 teachers. Total number of respondents was 316. Descriptive and inferential statistics (means, percentages, and multiple regression) and thematic analysis worked out the level of utilization of school infrastructure on students’ academic performance. Multiple regression showed that Utilisation of school infrastructure showed moderate means of 3.86, which revealed moderate influence existed between its utilisation and students’ academic performance. Qualitative data revealed different themes meant that effective utilization of school infrastructure positively influenced students’ academic performance in county secondary schools in Makueni County. Major conclusion was that there was needed to ensure effective utilisation of school infrastructure in order to improve academic performance. This study would provide important information useful to education policy makers in formulating additional policies leading to effective utilisation of school infrastructure in secondary schools.

Influence of Parental Communication with Teachers on Learning Outcomes of Learners with Hearing Impairment in Public Special Primary Schools in Kisumu Central County, Kenya

Influence of Parental Communication with Teachers on Learning Outcomes of Learners with Hearing Impairment in Public Special Primary Schools in Kisumu Central County, Kenya