INFLUENCE OF DRUG USE ON STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATINYANI DISTRICT, KENYA

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of drug use on student interest in learning and identify counselling interventions that can be used when dealing with drug use among secondary school students in Matinyani district. Descriptive survey was used in this study. Fourteen public secondary schools were involved with population of 1701 students. Purposive sampling was used in the sample selection to select 5 schools which included a girls’ boarding, a boys’ boarding school, a mixed day school, a mixed boarding school and a mixed day and a boarding school. A sample size of 269 was used. The data was collected by use of a Core Alcohol and Drug Survey Questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the study instrument was established through a pilot study. A correlation coefficient alpha of 0.7408 was obtained. According to, Fraenkel and Wallen (2002) a reliability co efficient of 0.7 or more implies high degree of reliability. Data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The descriptive analysis, percentages, tables, bar graphs and charts were used in presenting and summarizing the findings. The study established that drug use lead to increased lack interest in learning among students. The study further established that it is the responsibility of all members of society to fight drug use in our country. This is so because when students use drugs, the effects are felt all over. The study recommends that; teacher counselors should adopt group counseling and peer counseling techniques in assisting adolescents overcome the problem of drug use; schools should have active and working guidance and counseling departments with well trained personnel to handle drug related case; school administrators should discourage transfers/admissions of indiscipline students from one school to another; among other recommendations

The Influence of Principal Related Factors on Mobilization of Financial Resources in Day Secondary Schools in Kitui Central Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principal related factors on mobilization of financial resources in day secondary schools in Kitui Central Sub-county, Kitui County, Kenya. The researcher used descriptive survey research design. Census sampling of the 16 public day secondary schools in Kitui Central Sub-conty was done and the 16 principals were investigated. The study also investigated 48 Board of Management Members. The researcher also gathered information from 16 head of departments from each studied school. Data were collected using the questionnaires as the main research instruments. The study established that all the principals (100%) in Kitui Central Sub-county had attended management training courses in addition to their professional training. The agencies which had organized the trainings includes, University which trained in the area of academics, KEMI training on management of secondary schools, KSSHA organizing heads conferences geared towards training on quality management among others. Professional growth/ training equip principals’ with management skills and enabled them to interact with other principals facing the same challenges and therefore share on how such challenges can be handled hence improving their administrative skills. From the findings of this study the researcher recommended that school principals should be constantly trained on financial resource management so that they can be effective in financial mobilization and management. Keywords: Financial management, Financial resources, Mobilization, Public Secondary Schools, School size

Influence of Child-headed Families on Preschool Learners’ Class Participation: A Case of Mwingi Zone, Kitui County-Kenya

This study was designed to investigate whether child-headed families have influence on pre-school learners’ class participation. The study was carried out in Mwingi zone of Kitui County Kenya. The zone had a total of 67 public pre-schools and the study targeted all the 67 public pre-schools, 1030 pre-school learners and 88 pre-school teachers. The researcher employed descriptive survey design so as to get information from the sampled respondents. The researcher obtained the sample size of the study by using both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The sampling techniques included stratified random sampling and purposive sampling. The schools in the zone were grouped into five clusters namely: Musukini, Kanzanzu, Mwingi, Ithumbi and Kyethani. The researcher used a representative sample of 10% of the targeted preschool learners and 20.5% of the targeted preschool teachers. To collect data from the respondents, the researcher used questionnaires and observation checklists. The questionnaires were used to collect data from pre-school teachers, while observation checklists were used to collect data from pre-school learners. After collecting the data, the researcher processed it by editing, coding, classifying and tabulating it and then analyzed the processed data using descriptive analysis, frequency distribution tables and percentages and Pearson Correlation Tables. The findings of the study indicated that there was a strong negative correlation (r= -0.891, P <0.05) between child-headed families and the class participation of pre-school learners. The study recommended that, the pre-schools should be encouraged to be conducting frequent guidance and counseling sessions for learners from child-headed families. Pre-school class teachers should also identify the learners who are not active in class participation and encourage them to be active in class by offering rewards

Social Networking Sites and Their Influence on the Self Esteem of Adolescents in Embu County, Kenya

As technology improves and advances, social networking sites have an even bigger impact on society and human relationships, both positive and negative.  Social networking sites have influence on teenagers in the way they develop socially. The way teenagers are connected to these global SNSs is both a frightening prospect for parents and educators and an intriguing area for social science research. Further there is no comprehensive knowledge of the activities adolescents do on these sites as well as how they impact their social life. This study therefore sought to specifically investigate the influence of social networking sites on the self-esteem of adolescents in secondary schools in Embu County Kenya. The researcher adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population of the respondents for this research was secondary school students and teachers in Embu County. Random sampling technique was used to select five boarding schools for the study sample. From each school, fifteen students and three teachers was selected for each unit of analysis to make a total sample of one fifty students and 15 teachers selected from the target population. The data collection instruments designed for the researches were questionnaires, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and interview schedules. The questionnaires and Rosenberg self-esteem scale was designed for the students while interview guides were for teachers. Data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study concluded that almost all the students use social network sites, therefore that social networking is very common among students who are in secondary schools. Facebook topped the list of the most common social site used by secondary schools students. The study further concludes that various students have different motivation for visiting the social networking sites. The study further concluded that social networking influence the self-esteem and psychological wellbeing of secondary school student. The study recommends that secondary schools students should be given guidance and counseling on how to positively utilize the social networking sites to their advantage and not to have a negative impact on their self-esteem.   Keywords: Social Networking Sites, Self-esteem, Psychological well-being

Attachment Styles as Predictors of Substance Use Among Secondary School Students in Nairobi County, Kenya

Substance use is common among secondary school students in Kenya and poses a threat to their health and academic achievement. Therefore, there is need to find out determinants of substance use so that measures can be taken to discourage it. Previous research has shown that attachment styles influence not only adolescents’ adjustment but also their tendency to engage in deviant behaviors like substance use. This study investigated whether attachment styles predict substance use among secondary school students in Nairobi County. The study was based on the attachment theory and attachment security was conceptualized in terms of four attachment styles: secure, preoccupied, dismissing and fearful.  A correlational design was adopted for the study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The Attachment Styles Questionnaires was used to measure the four attachment styles and substance use was measured on an 11 item likert scale. The study targeted 10,451 Form Three students in 79 public secondary schools in Nairobi County. Three sub-counties were purposively selected and nine schools from the three sub-counties were selected using stratified random sampling. A sample of 385 students was randomly selected from the nine schools. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis and determine the prediction of substance use by the attachment styles. The main finding of the study was that attachment styles predicted substance use among secondary school students (F = 4.954, P = .001) and accounted for 5.6% of the variance in substance use (R2 = 0.56). Secure attachment style predicted less substance use (β = -.117, P = .028) whereas dismissing attachment style significantly predicted higher levels of substance use (β = .174, P = .004). The study recommended that guidance and counseling teachers take students’ attachment styles into consideration when tackling substance use and encourage parents and guardians to foster more secure attachment with their children. Keywords: Attachment styles, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, secure, preoccupied, dismissing, substance use DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-30-11 Publication date:October 31st 202

THE INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL RELATED FACTORS ON ICT INTEGRATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of school related factors in integration of Information Communication Technology in the management of public secondary schools in Kitui County, Kenya. A descriptive survey research design was used in this study. The study was carried out in 58 public secondary schools in Kitui County that have functional ICT infrastructure. This study used sample size table as proposed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970) whereby 58 principals, 58 senior teachers and 266 assistant teachers from schools that have functional ICT infrastructure were selected. All 16 Sub-county Directors of Education and one County Director of Education were selected for the study. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data from principals, senior teachers and assistant teachers while interview schedule was used to collect data from Sub-county Directors of Education and the County Director of Education in Kitui County. The collected data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis approaches whereby both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics that were used in this study include percentages and mean. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s moment of correlation coefficient and Pearson’s Chi-square tests for independence. The qualitative data were presented in the form of narrative and integrated within the quantitative data. The findings of the study were; there was a strong positive correlation r(50) = 0.842, p<0.05 between computer infrastructure and ICT integration in management of public secondary schools. The study recommended that; The government should increase their supply of computers to all schools as well as building computer laboratories for schools and that all the schools should have internet connections to enable principals and teachers to use ICT in the school. The government should make it compulsory for all schools to integrate ICT in management.  Article visualizations

Influence of Single-Parent Families on Preschool Learners’ Class Participation: A Case of Mwingi Zone, Kitui County, Kenya

This study was designed to investigate whether single-parent families have influence on pre-school learners’ class participation. The study was carried out in Mwingi zone of Kitui County, Kenya.  The zone had a total of 67 public pre-schools and the study targeted all the 67 public pre-schools, 1030 pre-school learners and 88 pre-school teachers.  The researcher employed descriptive survey design so as to get information from the sampled respondents.  The researcher obtained the sample size of the study by using both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The sampling techniques included stratified random sampling and purposive sampling. The schools in the zone were grouped into five clusters namely: Musukini, Kanzanzu, Mwingi, Ithumbi and Kyethani. The researcher used a representative sample of 10% of the targeted preschool learners and 20.5% of the targeted preschool teachers. To collect data from the respondents, the researcher used questionnaires and observation checklists. The questionnaires were used to collect data from pre-school teachers, while observation checklists were used to collect data from pre-school learners. After collecting the data, the researcher processed it by editing, coding, classifying and tabulating it and then analyzed the processed data using descriptive analysis, frequency distribution tables and percentages and Pearson Correlation Tables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data. The findings of the study indicated that there was a strong negative correlation (r= -0.712, P <0.05) between single-parent families and the class participation of pre-school learners. The study recommended that the pre-schools should be encouraged to be conducting frequent guidance and counseling sessions for learners from single-parent families. Pre-school class teachers should also identify the learners who are not active in class participation and encourage them to be active in class by offering rewards. Keywords: Family structure, single-parent family, Pre-school, Pre-school learner, Class Participation, School access DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-11-10 Publication date: April 30th 202

The Influence of Performance Feedback Practices on Implementation of Teachers’ Performance Appraisal in Public Secondary Schools in Makueni Sub- County, Kenya

The current study purposed to establish the influence of performance feedback practices on implementation of teachers’ performance appraisal in Public secondary schools in Makueni Sub-County, Kenya. The study objectives sought to investigate the influence of timely and regular feedback, involving teachers and clear guidelines on implementing of performance appraisal of teachers in public Secondary Schools in Makueni Sub-County. This study was underpinned on Goal setting theory. Descriptive survey research design was adopted targeting 44 head teachers of public secondary schools, 563 secondary school teachers and 1 Teachers’ Service Commission Human Resource Officer. Stratified Proportionate Sampling and simple random sampling methods got employed to select 22 principals and 56 teachers from the secondary schools. Census and purposive sampling techniques were applied to select 1 Teachers Service Commission Human Resource Officer. Questionnaires and interview schedule were adopted as tools for data collection. Validity and reliability of instruments was established by way of a pilot study and Split-half technique respectively. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively with the help of descriptive as well as inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS computer software. Quantitative data was presented by way of cross tabulation tables and frequency distribution tables. Qualitative data was organized into themes based on study objectives and presented in a narrative form. Correlation analysis was done using Pearson’s Product moment Correlation (r). Analysis on Principals  and teachers’ responses indicated a positive interrelationship  ( r (20) = 0.704,  r (20) 0.712, r (20) 0.632 and r (56) = 0.783, r (56) = 0.744,  r (56) =0.665 all at p<0.05 ) existing between timely and regular feedback, involving teachers as well as clear guidelines and implementing of teachers’ performance appraisal respectively. The study concluded that regular and timely feedback, involving teachers and clear guidelines have positive influence on implementation of performance appraisal for teachers and need to be practiced in schools. Keywords:Performance Feedback, Implementation, Performance Appraisal, Regular Feedback, Timely Feedback, Involving Teachers, Clear Guidelines DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-33-06 Publication date: November 30th 202

The Influence of Family Based Determinants on Implementation of Re-Admission Policy of Girls After Teenage Pregnancy in Public Secondary Schools in Kitui County

This study sought to investigate the influence of family based determinants on implementation of re-admission policy of girls after teenage pregnancy in public secondary schools in Kitui County, Kenya. The study objectives sought to determine the influence of; socio-economic status of parents, principals’ opinion on socio-economic status, family size and girls’ awareness of the policy on implementation of re-admission policy. The study was based on the critical theory by the Frankfurt school in German. The target population was 275 principals, 275 guidance and counseling teachers and 275 head girls in the 120 girls’ schools and 155 co-education schools in Kitui County, Kenya. The study also targeted the County Director of Education and all the 16 sub county directors of education in Kitui County. Using stratified and simple random sampling, a sample of 83 principals, 83 guidance and counseling, and 83 head girls were selected for the study. The County Director of Education was purposively selected while four sub-county directors of Education were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires.  Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that; there was a statistically significant association between socio-economic status of parents and implementation of re-admission policy of girls after teenage pregnancy. The family size, principals’ opinion on the re-admission policy and girls’ awareness of the policy significantly determined the implementation of the re-admission policy of girls after teenage pregnancy. The study recommends that; Parents should be sensitized on their role to educate girls the same way they would do to the boy child. This would enhance the implementation of the re-admission policy of girls after teenage pregnancy in public secondary schools in Kitui County, Kenya. Keywords: Co-education school, Re-admission Policy, Socio-Economic Status Teenage Pregnancies DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-11-02 Publication date: April 30th 202

Parenting Styles as Predictors of Suicidal Behaviors among Selected Public Secondary School Students in Embu County, Kenya

Secondary school students are faced with challenges of navigating safely through their adolescence in a world full of depressive challenges. As adolescents’ transit this stage they increasingly face a milliard of challenges which are depressive and at times lead to suicidal behaviors.   Parents play a primary role in socializing their children on dealing with life challenges; however, the extent to which parenting styles predetermine students’ suicidal behaviors remains obscure. The study investigated parenting styles, (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive indulgent and permissive neglectful) as predictors of suicidal behaviors among students in Embu county. The study was guided by the objective; to investigate the extent to which parenting styles significantly predict secondary school students’ suicidal behaviors. The study was informed by Bronfernbrenners’ bioecological theory and parenting styles theory by Maccoby and Martins. Survey research design was adopted for the study.  Stratified random sampling method was used to select a sample of 15 schools.  Stratified random sampling and systematic random sampling were used to select 399 participants (221 girls and 178 boys). Purposive sampling was used to select 15 Guidance and counseling teachers and 70 secondary school drop outs. A reliability of cronbach alpha (α) of α = 0.82 for parenting styles questionnaires was reported and for risky behaviors α = 0.78.  The major findings of the study based on the objective of  the study showed that parenting styles have a positive and significant prediction of risky sexual behaviors among secondary school students, and that  parenting styles accounts for; 57.2% (R2=0.572, p< 0.05) of secondary school students risky sexual behaviors, The study recommended that, the government through the ministry of education (MOE) and the school boards of management maintain a trained resident school counselors or psychologists in schools, who do not have teaching duties, in order to enable them have enough time to identify students with depressive signs which are precursors of suicidal behavior. Such counselors would be available to help students and   make follow-ups with parents. Keywords:  Parenting styles, authoritative, authoritarian, permissive indulgence permissive neglectful, students, suicidal behaviors