Comparative analyses of education quality in primary schools of Gedeo Zone: Public vs private controversy, analyzed against resources allocation

The objective of the study was to investigate the persistent debate as to whether public or private schools provide better quality education, focusing on resource allocation as a measure of commitment to educational quality. An input model was employed for comparing schools’ commitment for ensuring education quality. Besides, quantitatively slanted mixed-method approach, with concurrent design were used. Primary data were collected from staff, and secondary data were gathered through document analysis and observation of school facilities. Quantitative data were analyzed employing independent sample t-tests and eta-squared (η2) with the help of SPSS software, while qualitative data were narrated under relevant theme. The findings revealed mixed results. Public schools excel in terms of teachers’ qualifications, professional leadership, supervision, financial resource allocation and school facilities. Conversely, private schools were found to be more committed in providing books and maintaining aesthetics of the school environment. However, neither of the school type provided the ideal standards of human, financial and material resources. Likewise, the study concluded the suffering of education quality from shortfall of resource allocation in both school types. This calls for joint effort by education bureaus, schools leaders, teachers and parent for ending the trend. That is, emphases need to be made on human development and resource mobilization in both school categories; indeed, the teaching- Learning process in public schools needs special attention.