Factors that Influence High Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Kilimanjaro Region

The study examined the factors that influence high academic performance in some secondary schools in Kilimanjaro region. It was based on the fact that some schools in Kilimanjaro performed high academically in each year, when compared with other schools in Tanzania. Six secondary schools in Kilimanjaro Region were selected for this study. The study employed systematic sampling technique and qualitative research approach was applied using descriptive genre. Data were collected using interviews, questionnaires, and documentary review. Qualitative data were manipulated through content analysis while quantitative data were analyzed by SPSS and Excel software to produce descriptive statistics. The results indicated that high performing secondary schools had enough qualified teachers, had conducive teaching and learning environment, and teaches insisted on formative evaluations before accepting students in their schools, Further, it was found that involvement of parents in students’ progress and other school business was high. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) should train enough teachers to raise learning standards in secondary schools. It was further recommended that secondary schools should screen students before they are allowed to enroll as quality control. The last recommendation was that, every teacher should strive to create conducive environment for teaching and learning for high performance. For further research, this study recommends that researchers need to focus on what works in education instead of always focusing on what is not working, This will help to understand the strengths and emulate for quality teaching and learning