Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the trends of educational wastage which is
measured by dropout and repetition in first cycle primary school of Alefa woreda, Central
Gondar. To attain the objective, mixed research approach with explanatory research design
was employed. There are 37 first cycle primary schools present in the woreda. Out of these,
10 first cycle primary schools selected by simple random sampling technique. Out of 563
teachers in 10 schools, 50 teachers wereselected by simple random sampling technique for
questioners. Comprehensive sampling was used for selecting principals, and education
experts. For students’ parents and dropout and repeated student’s simple random sampling
was used. Questionnaire, interview, and documents (rosters and reports) were used as data
collection instruments. Trend analysis was the techniques of data analysis. Regarding the
finding of the study, the trends of student’s dropout and grade repetition was an inconsistent
and it showed some improvements for five years. The factors of students dropout are child
labor, lack of interest in learning ,lack of counseling service for the students are the major
factors .The factors for grade repetition are, large class size and teachers inability to
attend students learning progress, students negative attitude towards education, inadequate
facilities in the school, lack of motivation and self-confidence of students were the major
factor for students’ repetition in the selected schools of Alefa Woreda area. As
recommendation the schools should collaborate with teachers, students, parents and the
community at large should maximize encourage able experience in creating awareness on
the value of education, discussing with teachers about the progress of their children
strengthening community and school relationship
