LEADERSHIP ROLE AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO REDUCE EDUCATIONAL WASTAGE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF EAST HARARGE ZONE

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.