Teacher Attrition and Students’ Academic Performance in Private Secondary Schools in Rivers State: Implications for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Teacher attrition rate from the profession is quite alarming when compared with other sectors. This has a great effect on student’s academic performance which needs to be critically attained. Teacher attrition was viewed as the rate of change of personnel, the rate at which employees join and leave an organization, measure against a standard or over a fixed period. Also, types of teacher attrition were seen to include; voluntary attrition, involuntary attrition, retirement attrition, internal attrition and demographic specific attrition. The causes of teacher’s attrition identified were: low salary, poor working condition, leadership style and rural posting. The study also analyzed the influence of teacher attrition on student academic performance. Findings revealed that high attrition rate has damaging effect on the quality of schooling. Student academic performance is not only a pointer to effectiveness and quality of schools in Nigeria, but a major determinant of the future of students in particular and the nation in general. Strategies for increasing teacher retention rate was viewed as Staff engagement in decision making, build a strong sense of community, encourage collaboration among teachers, provide a supportive environment, build a strong monitoring programme, support professional development and utilize technology to better support staff well-being. It was concluded that teacher attrition has a significant negative relationship with student academic performance in selected Private Secondary Schools in Rivers State. It was suggested amongst others that, to minimize the rate of attrition among teachers, a concerted effort from all stakeholders (Government, Ministry of Education, Principals) in the education system is required.