Challenges facing deputy head teachers in managing students in secondary schools in Kangema district, Murang'a County, Kenya.

Abstract

Deputy head teachers are very instrumental in the management of secondary schools. To a large extent, they encounter a lot of administrative problems. This is because they spend a lot of time handling problems from students, teachers and parents. The study sought to establish the challenges faced by secondary schools deputy head teachers in managing student personnel in Kangema District. The objectives of the study were to establish the skills deputy head teachers possess in managing students in schools, to evaluate the effects of school resources on deputy head teachers role, to investigate leadership practices adopted by deputy head teachers, to evaluate the effects of banning corporal punishment on deputy head teachers role and to seek suggestions on possible remedies for challenges facing deputy head teachers in managing students in schools. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 337 respondents consisting of 26 deputy head teachers, 310 teachers and the DEO. The sample size was 108 respondents, made up of 8 deputy head teachers, 99 teachers, and one DEO. Data were collected by use of questionnaires for teachers and an interview schedule for the DEO. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics after data cleaning and coding. Quantitative data was analyzed by tallying the numbers of similar responses. Results of data analysis were presented using frequency distribution tables, bar graphs, and pie charts. The study established that deputy head teachers are not adequately prepared to manage students in schools, There was shortage of physical and human resources in schools resulting in challenges in managing students. Guidance and counseling in schools in Kangema was ineffective due to inadequate resources and ill equipped teachers. Prefect bodies in most schools were ineffective hence making it difficult for deputy head teachers to manage students effectively. The banning of corporal punishment in schools also contributed negatively on student discipline. The study therefore recommends employment of more teachers and non- teaching members to bridge the shortfall in human resources in schools. The MOE should increase its budgetary allocation on infrastructure to enable schools to put up structures in order to accommodate the rising number of students. KESI should organize relevant in-service training courses for deputy head teachers in order to equip them with management skills