STATUS AND CHALLENGES OF LEADING CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL OF HARARI REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the status and challenges of leading Continuos Professional Development program in secondary schools of Harari regional state. Participant of the study were 39 teachers, 4 Continuos Professional Development coordinators, 4 principals and 4 supervisors. Participant teachers were selected by lottery method and the rest respondents were taken on availability sampling techniques. The data were collected by using questionnaire, observation for document review and Focal Group Duscusion The qualitative data analysis method were employed. For this study the finding revealed that majority of the coordinators and teachers have positive attitude towards Continuos Professional Development program. As result, all of the teachers involved in the program because of linkage it has with career structure. In addition, the major of the respondents believed and agreed on the skill, experience and capacities that were necessary for Continuos Professional Development leaders to lead the program effectively. In this regard, the major problems the study confirmed were; high turnover of Continuos Professional Development facilitators, failure to synchronies with careers structure, lack of awareness, lack of skill or experience to lead the program, absence of systematic collaboration, individual difference, incompatibility of interest, cultural factors, capacity factors which related with: lack of finance, time and work overload. So, based on the result of finding the researcher recommended the following issues. The ministry of education should set clear policy which links the program with career structures development. The stakeholders should jointly work together. The program should be supported by coaching or mentoring from concerned body. The concerned bodies should facilitate for long and short term training of leaders. The government should seriously look into issues of low salaries for teachers will be taken purposely it is impossible to provide expected change from the program.