Assessment of quality of private primary schools in Tanzania: the case of Dar Es Salaam region

This study investigated the quality of private primary schools in Tanzania using Dar es Salaam region as a case study. The study sought to investigate how private primary schools adhere to the minimum education standards for primary education set by the government, how the standards influence pupils’ academic performance and the extent to which the standards are comprehensive in achieving the goal of providing quality primary education on the country. The sample comprised 1 district chief school inspector, 4 school committee chairpersons, 4 head teachers, 20 teachers and 40 pupils. Together there were 69 respondents. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussion, observation and documentation guides. The case study design used and data analyzed qualitatively. Finding revealed that adherence to the minimum education standards for primary education was between 29% - 33% mainly on aspects of buildings, transport facilities, and clean environment. Some of the key stakeholders of the private primary schools did not know the guidelines to which the primary schools should adhere to. The findings further disclosed that adherence to the standards in terms of infrastructure, teaching and learning materials influenced pupils’ academic performance and academic activities. The findings also revealed that the minimum education standards were not exhaustive, comprehensive and they needed to be reviewed by all stakeholders including pupils. The study recommends that the minimum education standards should be known by all stakeholders to facilitate their implementation. In addition, to that private primary school owners should seek financial assistance from organizations like Tanzania Education Authority to improve infrastructure and teaching and learning materials needed in schools. The government and other stakeholders also need to invest in recruiting teachers and improve their salaries so as to improve the quality of schools and education provided.