Determinants of career development among public secondary school staff with special need in Kakamega central sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish determinants of career development among secondary school staff with special needs in Kakamega Central Sub-County as indicated in literature review of this study. This study sought to; determine the influence of social factors on career development among staff with special needs, establ ish econom ic factors on career development among staff with special needs. rind out influence of education background on career development among staff with special. and determine the influence of psycho-physiological factors on career development among staff with special needs. Conceptual framework will guide the study illustrating how the various variables are interrelated. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population consisted of 21 school principals. 12 teachers, 1.3support staff and one District Education Officer (DEO). A census study was used on all the 12 secondary school staff with special needs, 21 school principals. 1.3 support staff from 21 public secondary schools and one District Education Officer (OEO). These respondents were selected by purposive sampling technique. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. On validity of the instruments. the researcher used content validity while through pilot testing process was used to test reliability comparing with a Cronbachs Alpha Coefficient which yielded an alpha of 0.88. The researcher then analysed the data and presented the results in form of frequency tables. The study findings were: There was a positive and significant relationship between social factor and career development among secondary school staff in pub Iic secondary schoo Is in Kakamega Centra I Su b-C ounty. Th is means that various social factors like family influence, values. beliefs and culture do affect positively career development of staff with special needs. A strong positive relationship between economic factors and career development was established when regression analysis conducted. Consequently. income per capita. costs of living/inflation. poverty levels and unemployment problems affect career development of staff with special needs. Results indicated there was a positive and significant effect between education determinants on career development among staff with special needs. Regression analysis was conducted and revealed a positive and significant association between psycho-physiological factors and career development. On the basis of all the objectives. the following recommendations were made based on the findings and the conclusions of the study: . professionals like the career teachers have successful educational career change decision on staff with special needs. The Ministry of Education and School Management should keep pace with advancement of Information Technology by ensuring provision of adequate networking tools and equipment to enhance staff with special needs. This will keep staff abreast with necessary skills and knowledge. important fell' young deaf persons to engage in careful career exploration and planning to minimize this potential disadvantages and avoid the cycle of unemployment and underemployment that has characterized the lives of many deaf or hard of hearing people. The study will be significant to the policy makers who will get the findings mid recommendations useful when making policy iii regard to workers with disability employers will use the findings and recommendations to provide parity in employment of all people and staff development. The study will also be used as reference h~ I'uture researchers