Abstract:
The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of School Principals’ Leadership on the
implementation of School Improvement Program in government primary Schools of Sofi District, Harari
region. In this study, a descriptive survey research design was used with quantitative and qualitative
approach. The sample for this study included four primary schools, selected through simple random
sampling, out of a total population of 23 government primary schools in Sofi District. The total sample
size for this study were 104 individuals, consisting of 84 teachers, 4 school improvement committee
members, 4 grade 8 classroom representative students, and 4 supervisors and four principals and four
vice principals from the four government primary schools of Sofi District. The grade 8 classroom
representative students were selected through purposive sampling as they were expected to have better
experiences and knowledge of the effect of school leadership on the school improvement program. Out
of a total population of 148 teachers (87 males and 61 females), 84 (56.76%) were selected as the sample
through simple random sampling, where each member of the population had an equal and independent
chance of being selected. The finding of the study revealed that majority of the activities in the
preparation phase of the school improvement program were not effectively implemented by primary
school leaders. Particularly, it revealed primary school leaders were preparing a non-collaborative SIP
plan which was prepared without the participation of stakeholders and undergoing adequate assessment
with stakeholders faced great challenges during its implementation. Therefore, from the finding, it is
possible to conclude that school leaders of the Sofi District were not effective in making adequate
preparation before planning SIP. Based on the major findings of the study, it is recommended that
primary school leaders should need to aware and convince responsible bodies such as the SIP committee,
parents, teachers, students through continuous discussion and work with them
