Parental involvement in their wards’ Education and it’s influence on their Academic performance in Senior High Schools in the Atwima Nwabiagya District

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of parental involvement in their wards’ education and its influence on their' academic performance in the Atwima Nwabiagya District, employing a quantitative research approach rooted in a positivist philosophy. Utilizing a Causal-Comparative design, the research focuses on two public senior high schools, selecting a sample of 200 parents through stratified and purposive sampling. Data collection instruments include questionnaires assessing parental involvement, school engagement, and barriers, along with document analysis of students' test scores. Key findings, aligned with the study's objectives, reveal varying levels of parental engagement in the district. While parents demonstrate strengths in encouraging goal setting, notable gaps exist in providing educational resources and participating in school-related discussions. The overall assessment indicates a moderate level of parental involvement, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to enhance participation. The study further explores school engagement practices, with parents perceiving engagement as "Limited Usage." Positive aspects include satisfactory participation in school events, yet challenges arise in decision-making processes and initiatives for a positive learning environment. Factors hindering parental involvement encompass work-related commitments, language barriers, and financial constraints, highlighting the need for multifaceted strategies to address these challenges. Examining the effects of parental involvement on students' outcomes reveals a significant positive impact on academic performance, with Spearman's correlation analysis revealing robust relationships between parental involvement and students’ academic performance. Key recommendations advocate for policy interventions, including awareness campaigns, regular assessments of engagement strategies, community-based support initiatives, and prioritized policies encouraging parental participation.