Abstract:
The objective of this study was to assess the practice of school leaders in guidance and
counseling services and the major factor that affect the practice of school leaders in supporting
guidance and counseling services in Secondary Schools of Eastern Hararghe Zone. The study
used descriptive survey research design and 340 students, 4 principals, 5 vice principal, 4 unit
leader, 24homeroom teacher and 1 supervisor were participated in the study. The principals,
vice-principals, unit leaders, supervisors and homeroom teachers were selected using
availability sampling while the students respondents were selected using stratified random
sampling technique. The data were gathered through questionnaire and interview. Data
gathered through questionnaire were analyzed using percentage, frequency, mean, standard
deviation and weighted mean. Data obtained through interview and open-ended questionnaire
were analyzed qualitatively .The result indicated that the school leaders were informally
practicing the activities of the guidance and counseling services without planning; formulate the
implementation and evaluation strategies. The practice of the school leaders on guidance and
counseling service was not well understood among the school community and students.
Therefore, the current practice of the school leaders on guidance and counseling service in
secondary schools was ineffective. The major factors identified were lack of professional school
counseling teachers, lack of the training of principals, lack of government support, lack of
cooperation from the parents and teachers in strengthening of the program in the schools, lack
of facilities and lack of time for supervision of the programs. The study recommended that
planning of the guidance and counseling activities, create the consciousness on the part of the
students, through training, school administration should provide the guidance and counseling
activities with all the necessary assistance and support it deserves such as financial and moral
support; and strengthen its central office to co-ordinate the guidance and counseling services.
