PRINCIPALS` INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES IN SECONDARY SCHOOL OF SOUTH WEST SHEWA ZONE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the principals` instructional leadership practices and challenges of secondary schools of south west shewa zone oromia regional state. A descriptive survey research design was employed in this study for qualitative and quantitative data. The study included 158 respondents: 8 principals 8 vice principal, 8 supervisors, and 134 teachers drawn from eight secondary schools by using purposive sampling techniques for selection of sample principals, supervisors and simple random sampling for teachers. Data were collected using questionnaire, interview, and document analysis. Data obtained through questionnaire were analyzed using statistical tools like frequency, percentage, and mean. Moreover, data were gathered through interview and document analysis were analyzed in narrative form to complement the questionnaire. The finding of this study revealed that factors such as lack of training in educational leadership, lack of resource (material, financial and human resource), work overload, high and problems of working with community, principals’ quick turn over hindered the practices of instructional leadership in the secondary schools of south west shewa zone. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the practices in managing curriculum and instruction, supervision, working for promoting a conducive school learning climate, and staff development has effect on instructional leadership effectiveness. Additionally it was concluded that the principals were not effective in playing their role of supporting and direction the instruction. In line with the above findings and conclusions, it was recommended that: the school leaders require short term and long term training of management and leadership. Therefore, woreda education department should assign principals based on their experiences in leading schools and qualification related to educational management. In addition, Region Education Bureau together with University should give training to principals on educational management during summer season.