Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices and challenges of school
improvement program (SIP) implementation in government secondary schools of Ilu Aba Bor
Zone. In this study, descriptive research design was employed. Besides, both quantitative and
qualitative approach were used. Multi stage sampling techniques were also used to include
appropriate and adequate respondents; accordingly, 4 woredas were selected using simple
random sampling technique from the predetermined four clusters of the zone. Consequently, 8
secondary schools were involved from the sampled Woredas through census. In connection to
this, 206 respondents were involved for the study purpose. Besides, questionnaire, Interview
and documents were used to gather data. Frequency, percentage and chi square (to gather
with significance value) were used to interpret the quantitative data. The qualitative data
gathered thorough interview and reviewed documents were described by narration. As the
results of the study indicated there were poor participation of stakeholders regarding the SIP
implementation with respect to the four domains in secondary schools of the study area. The
study findings also revealed that, there were insufficient involvement and commitment of the
SIC members observed in those secondary schools. Besides, secondary schools under study
area did not have comprehensive, continuous follow-up and standalone plan regarding SIP
implementation. On the other hand, among the factors influencing the implementation of SIP,
lack of awareness about SIP among the school community, shortage of materials and financial
resource, poor collaboration among stakeholders, high turnover of principals, Teachers
resistance to participate in the program, poor coordination capacity of leaders and inadequate
technical support given from WEO were some of the challenges identified in this study. Finally,
the study recommended that, giving relevant and adequate in-service trainings for
stakeholders; provision of sufficient financial support should be crucial for the effectiveness of
the program. Furthermore, the study suggested that SIP should be practiced over the whole
secondary schools of the zone based on SIP framework given from Ministry of Education.
