Contribution of Infrastructural Availability for School Growth and Sustainable Improvement in Academic Performance in Selected Secondary Schools in Tororo District

Abstract

The study sought to establish the contribution of infrastructural availability to school growth and sustainable improvement of academic performance in selected secondary schools in Tororo District. The study employed a qualitative approach, and data were collected from school administrators, the management team and teachers using open-ended questions based on interviews. Results were analysed thematically and presented verbatively. Findings showed that teaching aids, such as lesson plans, blackboard rulers, chalkboards, and textbooks are available and help improve academic performance, but overcrowded classrooms, poor ventilation and small space compared with the number of learners for a particular class are linked to lower levels of student engagement and learning. Noise levels have a significant impact on both teacher and student performance, and proper levels of natural illumination increase test results and teacher and student moods. Lack of commitment leads to skipping school and failing to complete assessment tasks. It was concluded that the Ugandan government supports the building of classrooms, libraries and laboratories in schools; teaching aids, such as textbooks lesson plans, blackboard rulers and chalkboards, raise teachers' morale to hold classes consistently, which helps schools expand and sustain improvements in academic performance. However, classrooms have poor ventilation and are overcrowded because of large enrolments. It is recommended that the government should improve the school infrastructure by renovating the classrooms, providing desks for children, making supplementary funding available to low-performing schools and providing teachers with accommodations at schools to check the late coming, early departure and regular absenteeism of teachers on duty.