Parental Involvement and Student Retention in Universal Secondary Education Schools in Amuru District, Northern Uganda
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Gulu University
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between parental involvement and student retention in Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools in Amuru District, Northern Uganda. The primary aim was to understand how various dimensions of parental engagement specifically, the provision of school needs, payment of supplementary fees, parental follow-up, and participation in school meetings impact students' retention rates. The study adopted a mixed method approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, with a sample space of 538 respondents, including students leaders, student, teachers, and school administrators. This combination allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter. The objectives of the study were determining the extent to which parents' provision of school needs correlates with students' retention rates, exploring how payment of supplementary fees affects retention, assessing the influence of parental follow-up on students' attendance and persistence, and examining the role of parental participation in school meetings in promoting retention. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, providing a rich context for understanding the dynamics of parental involvement. Findings revealedsignificant relationships between each aspect of parental involvement and student retention. Specifically, parents who provision of school had a moderate positive correlation (r =0.305**, p < 0.01), paid supplementary fees had a weak positive (r = 0.143**, p < 0.01), while consistent follow-up by parents had a moderate positive (r = 0.445**, p < 0.01), and active participation in school meetings had a high positive correlation (r = 0.763**, p < 0.05). these all contributed to improved student persistence. These findings suggested that enhancing parental involvement could serve as a key strategy for improving student retention in USE schools. In conclusion, the study emphasized the critical role that parents played in their children's education, suggesting that targeted interventions aimed at increasing parental
involvement could effectively enhance retention rates in USE schools. Recommendations included developing programs to educate parents about their importance in the educational process, encouraging schools to facilitate greater parental engagement, and implementing community initiatives that support families in meeting school-related needs. By fostering stronger partnerships between parents and schools, the educational outcomes for students in Amuru District could be significantly improved.