Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the factor that influences the effectiveness of high school
leadership the case of Gondar Zuria Woreda. In this study descriptive survey design was used
with both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. In this woreda there are 5 high
Schools; among these 2 were selected using purposive sampling techniques. For this study total
populations size and total sample size were 250 and 87 respondents respectively. Of the total
sample size of the two high schools were involving 4 School Leaders, 82 Teachers, 1 Supervisors
as sources of information from the two selected high schools. The sampling techniques employed
were stratified random sampling for teachers; available sampling techniques for school leaders
and supervisors. The collected data through closed questions were analyzed using descriptive
statistical tools as frequency percentages, mean, and the inferential statistics t-test was employed
to analyze the data obtained. The data gathered through open- ended questions, interviews and
focus group discussion were analyzed qualitatively through narration for the purpose of
triangulation. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of principals lacked the
required qualification and training in educational leadership (EDPM). As a result, they were
incompetent in playing their leadership role effectively. On the other hand, heavy work load and
paper work requirements affected the quality of effective leadership. Another problem of
principals in their leadership activity was lack of instructional materials and operative funds.
Furthermore, principals failed to accomplish classroom visit. They conducted classroom visit
only to evaluate the semester’s performance of teachers. The study indicated that principals’
collaboration and openness in communicating in problem solving with teachers was not
satisfactory. On the other hand there was unnecessary interference of WEO officers in the
function of principals. In line the above finding and conclusion it was recommended that Amhara
Education Bureau in collaboration with GZEO should be define the effective leadership roles of
principals clearly in terms of the five dimensions, provide training in the area, revise and
improve the selection and appointment criteria of leadership positions, reduce and improve the
organizational and WEO factors debilitating effective leadership role of principals.
