Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to assess the role of leadership and its contribution to
reduce educational wastage in the target area. The study employed a descriptive survey
design. Ten government secondary schools were selected by using simple random sampling
technique.105 teachers were selected by using simple random sampling, 10 school
principals, 10 school supervisors, 20 PTA leaders and 10 students’ representatives were
also selected for the study using available sampling technique. Data were collected from
those respondents through questionnaire and interview. The collected data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics using statistical package for social science software. The finding
of the study indicated that the main indicators of educational wastage were dropout and
repetition. Dropout and repetition rates which were the main indicators of educational
wastage in secondary schools were highly characterized by inconsistency and additional it
would be challenging to regional and zone education bureau. The study indicated that the
role of school principals have great contribution in reducing educational wastage.
Regarding factors contributing to educational wastage the finding identified that: school
based factors student related factors, home based and socioeconomic factors were among
major factors. Based on the findings, the study recommended, school leaders, woreda
education office together with zonal education office enhance the principals to have
leadership skill and qualities, encouraging all stake holders in addressing factor
contributing to education wastage and reduce educational wastage through community
involvement in school management, implementing monitoring activity, creating conducive
school environment, providing guidance and counseling services, providing necessary
educational materials and developing open communication among stakeholders in
secondary schools.
