FACTORS THAT INFLUENCES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP THE CASE OF GONDAR ZURIA WOREDA

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.