EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF EASTERN HARARGHE ZONE OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current practices of material resource management in secondary schools of east hararghe zone. For this study, descriptive survey research design was used: both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through questionnaire, interviews, observation and documents analysis. 47 teachers, 37 school administrators, and 45 student council filled in and returned the questionnaire . In addition nine woreda education office project experts and seven vice- principals were interviewed.the teachers, school administrators, and student council were sampled by available sampling woreda education office project experts were selected by availability sampling technique . The collected data were analyzed using frequencies , percentage and chi-squares. The finding of the study revealed purchasing of material resources was undertaken by inappropriate personnel . With regard to the utilization and guideline for material resources ,there was no guideline for purchasing and utilization of material resources and schools were not in position to manage their material resources properly. Storing activities were left only for storekeeper and materials in stores were not classified and codified due to lack of proper storeroom and non-involvement of concerned staff. Inventories were carried out only when needed without regular plan . The major problems affected the management of material resources were the absence of proper guideline for the appropriate purchasing and utilization of materials: the absence of the participation of stakeholders in the management of material resources lack of proper stores in secondary schools. Lack of specific responsible body for material resource management and lack of appropriate manpower for respective functions of material resource management the schools principals should involve teachers. Department heads. Non-teaching staff and pta in the process of need assessment of materials to be purchased . Material resources plan should be prepared with the active involvement of teachers, non-teaching staff. Pat and the community. This can help the performers to give full attention and follow up its implementation . Besides, the effectiveness of planning of material resources should be improved to high or above to realize educational objectives . To improve the situation, schools should have guidelines to ensure the proper purchasing and utilization of material and disposal of obsolete materials to , create conducive environment to participate the concerned bodies in the management of material resources