Challenges Facing Headteachers In Managing Day Secondary Schools In Imenti South District, Meru County, Kenya
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Date
2013-02-21
Authors
Mutembei, Lucy Ndumba
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Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to identify the challenges facing Head teachers in
managing day secondary schools in Imenti South District, Meru County. Secondary
school administration has played a key role in most secondary institutions throughout
Kenya. Despite this, most secondary school head teachers face challenges that affect the
efficiency needed in their respective institutions. The study endeavored to determine
challenges and problems facing head teachers in managing day secondary schools and
determine possible solutions. The study identified the causes of these challenges and
outlined the effort taken by head teachers in order to overcome them. The research
employed a descriptive survey study design as a better option to conduct the study. Out of
twenty day secondary schools, only ten day secondary schools were sampled. The
researcher used questionnaires and interview schedules to collect data. With a target
population of 2780, simple random sampling was used to select respondents in these
groups namely; 10 School BOG chairmen; 10 Principals, 10 Deputy Principals, 80
Teachers and 800 Students totaling to 910 respondents. Data was obtained and analyzed
by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer package to determine
the challenges facing head teachers in managing day secondary schools in Imenti South
District, Meru County. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis were used to'
analyze data collected. Responses from questionnaire, interview schedules were
organized according to pertinent aspects of the study. The findings were analyzed
through descriptive statistics by use of frequencies, tables, graphs and pie-charts. From
the study it came out clearly that among the many challenges facing head teachers in
managing day secondary schools key among them was; financial management and
curriculum and instruction which 100% of the respondents said were very challenging.
Pupil personnel recorded 80% of the challenges head teachers face while 700/0 cited
school community relations as a challenge. This study recommends that head teachers
should be well trained on fmancial management while the government should increase
funding for day secondary schools and the same should be released at the beginning of
the school term. The schools should be provided with adequate curriculum and
instructional materials. The students and teachers need to be regularly encouraged and
motivated. The community should be sensitized on the cost sharing in day secondary
schools. This study proposes further investigation on whether there is a correlation
between the principals' qualifications and the challenges experienced and a study on
whether female head teachers face similar challenges as their male counterparts. A
further research is also recommended on the factors leading to low student enrollment in
day secondary schools in Imenti South District,Meru County.
Description
Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies,2011