EFFECT OF PRINCIPALS‟ LEADERSHIP STYLES ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BISHOFTU TOWN OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to compare the leadership styles of principals on student academic performance in government and private secondary schools of Bishoftu town. The study employed descriptive survey research design with quantitative approaches. Secondary schools were selected randomly. School Principals and Teachers were selected by using available sampling. Teachers were also selected with simple random sampling. Totally, the study involved 120 secondary school teachers, 6principals’ 12 voice principals’ and besides, interview held with cluster supervisors was made in order to substantiate the data gathered. For secondary source documents related to study were reviewed. A variety of data gathering tools including questionnaire and interview were used. Statistical techniques such as frequency, mean, average mean, standard deviation and ONE way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Thus, the findings of the study indicated that, principals involve students’ in academic achievement are valued and implemented is a strong and positive influence in students’ academic performance. This has greatly enhanced student academic performance in the town. The finding showed that the way principals communicate with teaching staff has a significant effect on student‟ academic performance. Finally, it is recommended that educational administrators should ensure that Principals of schools are given appropriate orientations before they are appointed as school heads