The effect of single parenting on the academic performance of students in the Asikuma Odben-Brakwa district in the central region

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of Single Parenting on the academic performance of Senior High School students in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District. The specific objectives were: to assess how parental structure, parenting style and parental involvement influence the academic performance of SHS students in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District. The study used descriptive survey design and questionnaire as research instrument which had both open and closed ended items. The questionnaires were used to collect data from three hundred and sixty-four (364) randomly selected students from the schools. The main findings of the study were that: parental structure, parenting style and parental involvement are problems facing performances in school. The results also established that parental occupational status is highly related to student academic achievement. Based on these findings the following recommendations were made: Government and other stakeholders in education should economically empower single parents through provision of business advisory services; there should be a proper counselling unit in every school where the psychological and emotional challenges of students will be tackled. Also, government should put in place measures that will allow individual stakeholders in school to provide a sense of security and stability that is necessary for every child development.