Educational Material Resource Management Policy and Practices in Secondary Schools of East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice and policy of educational material resource management in secondary schools of East Hararge Zone, Oromia Regional state. For this study, descriptive survey method was employed; both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through questionnaire, interviews, observation and documents. Total of 103 management bodies and 94 teachers were filled and returned the questionnaire. On the other hand 9 woreda and administrative town educational office heads were interviewed. The data collected through questionnaire was analyzed by using frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and t-test. Qualitative data collected through interviews, observation, document analysis and open ended questions were analyzed and presented in narrative form. Major findings of the study were: the plans for material resource was prepared without need assessment and not properly prepared. There were lack of gathering pertinent information during purchasing and delay in purchasing. Materials in store were not classified, codified and arranged due to lack of proper storeroom. Inventories were carried out only when needed without regular plan. Disposable and unused materials were accumulated in storerooms and not disposed in time. Efforts to make the MRM policy and guideline accessible to the school community and creating awareness on the issue were poor. The extent of involvement of teachers and non teaching staff in management of material resource was low. The major problems that negatively affected management of material resources were absence of professional personnel for the management of material resources, the absence of participation of teachers and non-teaching staffs in the management of material resources and shortage of budget. The conclusion drawn is that the extent of management of educational material resources in secondary schools under study was low. It is recommended that: the plans should be prepared after need assessment with participation of the users. Schools should conduct purchasing by using purchasing guideline and procedure. Assigning skilled manpower for effective utilization and management of material resources; making MRM policy and guideline accessible and creating awareness for the school community and participate teachers and non-teaching staffs in the management of material resources.