THE PRACTICE OF SCHOOL LEADERS IN SUPPORTING GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF DEDER DISTRICT IN EASTERN HARARGHE ZONE

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.