Exploring The Dynamics Influencing Choices of Second Cycle Schools Away From ‘Home’. A Case Study of Wa Municipality

Abstract

The issue of parents and their wards choosing second cycle schools far from their place of stay is a perennial phenomenon and a long standing one in the Upper West Region. While knowledge on the dynamics which influence choices of Second Cycle Schools at the pre-tertiary level is important for deploying appropriate response, very little is known about the dynamics influencing the choice of students/parents. It is against this background that this study sought to examine the dynamics influencing choices of second cycle schools away from ‘Home’ using Wa Municipality as a case study. The specific objectives of the study were to identify schools’ preferences among parents/wards who select schools outside of the Upper West Region, identify the dynamics which contribute to parental choices of Second Cycle Schools away from ‘home’, explore how children’s capability and agency manifest in their choices of Second Cycle Schools, explore the school dynamics that influence parents and students’ choices of Second Cycle Schools and examine how teacher-student relations contribute to the choice of Second Cycle Schools. The study will be of benefit to policy makers in formulating future policies aimed at enhancing infrastructural development of schools to ensure regional balance. The study used purely qualitative approach. Data was collected from 10 students and their corresponding 10 parents from 10 Junior High schools using semi-structured interview guide. The study revealed that academic performance, adequate infrastructure and learning materials, change of environment, harsh climatic conditions, family history and closeness to relatives, school environment, single-sex schools, socio-economic background of parents, and sporting activities are the drivers which influence the choice of second cycle school are from home by students/parents in the Wa Municipality. Data from the study parents and guardians show a distinct preference for sending their children to second cycle schools located in other regions of Ghana other than the Upper West Region. Among the regions, the Ashanti Region tops the list as the most preferred destination, followed by the Central Region, the Bono Region, and the Greater Accra Region. A significant portion of the parents interviewed (7 out of 20) expressed their concern about poor academic performance, in adequate educational infrastructure and the availability of teaching and learning materials in schools in the Upper West Region compared to schools in southern Ghana. The study concluded that parents and guardians in the Upper West Region of Ghana exhibit a clear preference for sending their children to second cycle schools located in other regions of the country. The study recommends, improving local school infrastructure and resources as well as addressing teacher shortages.