Abstract:
The objective of this study was to analyze the Impacts of Principals’ Leadership Styles on
School Improvement Program in Secondary Schools of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National
Regional State. In this study, a descriptive survey research design was used with quantitative
and qualitative approach. Among the 50 government secondary schools found in the Zone, 11
(22%) were taken as a sample using a stratified random sampling technique. The sampled
teachers 178(56%) were selected by using simple random sampling techniques. Additionally,
11 school principals were selected using availability sampling techniques; 3 secondary school
supervisors and 3 District Education Office Heads were selected using availability sampling
techniques. The instruments of data collection were questionnaires and an interviews. Data
gathered through questionnaires were analyzed using percentages, frequency, mean and
standard deviation. Data obtained through an interviews guide and open-ended
questionnaires were analyzed qualitatively. Findings from the data analysis revealed that the
low performance of secondary school leaders in implementing school improvement program
domains such as school leadership and community participation. They also had low
performance in the preparation stage of the School Improvement Program. As the finding of
that the study revealed the domains secondary school leaders of West Hararghe Zone did at
an average level were ‘teaching-learning’ and ‘safe and healthy school environment.’
Regarding impacts, inadequate financial resources, low-performance level of commitment of
school leaders. Therefore, it is recommended that District education Offices in collaboration
with Zone Education Offices and Regional Education Bureau should give sustainable
technical assistance including training for school leaders.
