Causes Of Low Academic Achievement Among Secondary School Puplis

The article examines causes of low academic achievement in secondary schools. The study was motivated by high failure rate among secondary school puplis. Interviews were conducted with pupils, parents, teachers, heads of departments and heads of schools. Document analysis and observations of exercise books school records were done to obtain information on processes occuring in schools for their contribution to pupils` success or failure. Literature documented the vital role of the teacher and school leadership in pupil success.

Results of the study showed that weak monitoring was at the root of pupils` failure. Teachers, heads of schools and regional office staff did not monitor the performance of pupils, teachers and heads respectively. Paying attention to examiners` reports could go a long way to improve the way teachers prepared pupils for externally set examinations. Regular attendance by pupils and regular monitoring of their written work would go a long way to improve performance in examinations and raise overall academic achievement.