PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP IN IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF HARARI REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine practices and challenges of leadership in implementing school improvement program in secondary schools of harari region.To conduct this study, descriptive survey research design was employed. A total of 316 respondents (186 teachers, 6 principals, 6 vice principals, 6 supervisors, 6 unit leaders and 6 parent teacher student association heads were included into the study. school leaders were selected using census sampling while the teachers respondents were selected using stratified random sampling techniques. The data were gathered through questionnaire and interview. Data gathered through questionnaire were analyzed using percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation. Data obtained through interview and open-ended was qualitatively analyzed. Findings from the data analysis revealed that teachers were scores undecided score with regarded practices of school leaders in implementing school improvement program. The study clearly indicated that school leaders were not clearly exercises the main activities of school improvement program. In addition to this,Insufficient school facilities in practicing SIP implementation, Shortage of training on implementing SIP, Unwillingness to encourage staff involvement in planning of SIP activities , Reluctant to asses’ policy documents on SIP implementation major challenges of in implementing SIP. Based on the summary of major findings the following conclusionwere drawn. Insufficient school facilities, shortage of training, school leaders lack awareness, unwillingness to encourage staff involvement, reluctant to asses policy documents, absences of staff commitment in implementing SIP and others staff lack of awareness and understanding of SIP implementation.Recommendations were made. WEO in collaboration with zonal education office should provide short and long term training to teachers and school leaders in the area of implementing school improvement program to become powerful about the effectiveness of SIP. School leaders should stablish collaborative relationship among school teachers and others in which they can share their experiences, ideas and learn from each other’s concerning SIP implementation.