Publication: An evaluation of the impact of strengthening Mathematics and science in secondary education Programme on Kenya certificate of secondary Education examination in Trans-Nzoia county
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2013-08
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
Strengthening of Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education (SMASSE) is an initiative of
the Government of Kenya with support of the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA).
It was launched in 1998 with the aim of improving performance in mathematics and science
subjects which had been unimpressive. By the year 2007, all secondary school mathematics and
science teachers were expected to have attended the four cycles of SMASSE training. This was
expected to translate into good students’ performance. This study aimed at evaluating the impact
of SMASSE programme on academic performance of students in mathematics, biology, and
chemistry. The study was based on Reigeluth’s (1999) elaboration theory model, the independent
variable being SMASSE programme in secondary education, and the students’ performance in
KCSE examination being the dependent variable. The study was carried out in 30 public secondary
schools in Trans-Nzoia County using expost-facto research design. Purposive sampling was used
to select 30 teachers from each of the subjects under study, while stratified sampling was used to
select 30 head teachers out of a total of 102 head teachers. Validity and reliability were established
using test-retest method. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews instruments,
with respondents being Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry teachers, Head teachers of the
secondary schools and District Quality Assurance Standards Officers (DQASOs). Data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics that included mean, frequencies and percentages. The study
revealed that: SMASSE training had resulted in improved student performance in the subjects.
From this study, it was concluded that SMASSE programme had a positive impact on subject
performance in the Trans-Nzoia County. The study recommended the identification and training
of those subject teachers who had not been trained in the basic cycles of SMASSE programme,
redesigning of mathematics and science teachers’ assessment forms and the inclusion of SMASSE
training curriculum at pre-service training of the subject teachers.
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Educational Planning, Management and Administration