Examining Quality Issues in Primary Schools in Ethiopia: Implications for the Attainment of the Education for All Goals

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the major educational problems that significantly influence the delivery of quality education for citizens and, ultimately, hinder the achievement of the Education for All goals in Ethiopia. Data collected via semi-structured interviews and «Focus Group Discussions» (FGD) from 31 purposely selected information rich participants were analyzed thematically by using verbatim quotes. This explorative study, still at the intial step, identified ineffective school leadership, poor training and low salaries for teachers, limited, often ineffective and problematic professional development opportunities, a focus on quantity rather than quality, a weak economic environment, low participation of parents and commercialization of teacher-training colleges as the major factors threatening the quality of education. The need to improve school leadership, focus on both quality and expansion, provide adequate funds, resolve teaching problems and support teachers, design effective professional development opportunities, and strengthen the parent school partnership are thus the areas identified which require specific action.