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“I failed, no matter how hard I tried”: A mixed-methods study of the role of achievement in primary school dropout in rural Kenya

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  • Zuilkowski, Stephanie Simmons
  • Jukes, Matthew C.H.
  • Dubeck, Margaret M.

Abstract

Initial access to school is nearly universal in Kenya, but many children who enroll drop out before completing primary school. In this mixed-methods study, we use quantitative data from a randomized control trial involving 2666 upper primary-grade students, as well as qualitative data from interviews with 41 schoolchildren, dropouts, and parents, to examine dropout. Poorer baseline performance on literacy and numeracy assessments predicted a higher risk of dropout. Interviews revealed that children are the primary decision-makers rather than parents. Together, these findings suggest that school quality interventions may be an effective means of reducing primary school dropout in this region.

Suggested Citation

  • Zuilkowski, Stephanie Simmons & Jukes, Matthew C.H. & Dubeck, Margaret M., 2016. "“I failed, no matter how hard I tried”: A mixed-methods study of the role of achievement in primary school dropout in rural Kenya," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 100-107.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:50:y:2016:i:c:p:100-107
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2016.07.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kelvin Oruko & Elizabeth Nyothach & Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez & Linda Mason & Kelly Alexander & John Vulule & Kayla F Laserson & Penelope A Phillips-Howard, 2015. "'He is the one who is providing you with everything so whatever he says is what you do': A Qualitative Study on Factors Affecting Secondary Schoolgirls’ Dropout in Rural Western Kenya," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(12), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Nicola Branson & Clare Hofmeyr & David Lam, 2014. "Progress through school and the determinants of school dropout in South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(1), pages 106-126, January.
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    4. Nia King & Cate Dewey & David Borish, 2015. "Determinants of Primary School Non-Enrollment and Absenteeism: Results from a Retrospective, Convergent Mixed Methods, Cohort Study in Rural Western Kenya," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(9), pages 1-17, September.
    5. repec:wbk:wbpubs:21634 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Mathias Kuépié & David Shapiro & Michel Tenikue, 2015. "Access to Schooling and Staying in School in Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 27(4), pages 403-414, December.
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    Cited by:

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    8. Mizunoya, Suguru & Zaw, Htet Thiha, 2017. "Measuring the holes of the ship: Global cost estimations of internal inefficiency in primary education," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 8-17.

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