Teachers’ Level of Participation in Decision Making in Secondary Schools of Laygayint Woreda

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess the level of teachers’ participation in a school’s decision making in secondary schools of Laygayint woreda of South Gondar Administrative Zone. To achieve this purpose, a descriptive research design was employed. Target population of the study were principals, teachers, and a supervisor of secondary schools in the woreda. There were four secondary schools in the woreda al of which were included in the study using comprehensive sampling technique. 220 teachers, 8 main and vice principals as well as 1 supervisor totally accounted for 229 were included in the sample using same comprehensive sampling technique. Data from teachers were collected using questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data from principals and the supervisor. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The quantitative data that were analysed using numbers, percentage, mean standard deviation. The qualitative data were thematically analysed. The results indicated that the schools’ decision making didn’t ensure teachers’ participation, there was no adequate teachers’ participation in the schools’ decision making, and the principals leadership performance in allowing the teachers to participate in schools’ planning; plan implementation; and evaluation was inadequate and not promising. Overall, the principals’ leadership position in motivating and encouraging the teachers is an important factor behind the level of teachers’ participation in the schools’ decision making which however is found inadequate. Thus, it is suggested to enhance teachers’ participation in school decision making through creating time and condition for which effect so school principals should take the lion’s share and play roles.