Abstract:
The main purpose of the study was to investigate the practices and challenges of school level
planning and implementation in the case of East Wollega zone secondary schools. The study
employed descriptive survey research method. Secondary schools teachers, directors, supervisors
and WEO were used as sources of data. Questionnaire and interview were the main tools of data
collection. The data collected using questionnaires were organized in tables and converted into
mean for analysis. The information obtained through interviews were coded and used to supplement
and countercheck data obtained through other tools. To determine the sample size of schools found
in these woredas, out of ten secondary schools 5 secondary schools was selected by using simple
random sampling technique,. The secondary school cluster supervisors and schools principals were
selected by using census sampling technique. The respondent teachers from five sample secondary
schools were selected by using simple random sampling technique, or through lottery method with
assumption that all teachers had equal chance of being selected and also to obtain representative
sample. The study found out that secondary schools plans were usually prepared by principals and
sometimes by teachers. Besides, the extent of stakeholders’ participation in school level plan
preparation, evaluation, monitoring and implementation in the secondary school of East wollega
secondary school was not satisfactory and highly dominated by principals. Further, the scarcity of
budget, lack of resource, environmental situation, lack of participation of school community and
PTA, lack of skilled man power in planning, , lack of evaluation of the strength and weakness of the
school level plan, lacks follow up and necessary support by Woreda educational offices, lack of
proper communication of leaders to school community and inaccurate data were the major
challenges for preparation and implementation of school level plan. To overcome the challenges
encountered, recommendations have been forwarded. These include: identifying the strength and
weakens of the previous plan, evaluating and monitoring the preparing plan and take necessary
action or measure, discussing with stakeholders on the problems of implementation of school
level plan, giving awareness to the stakeholders, increasing school community participation and
their understanding, allocating the necessary budget , resource and fund raising .10
The study recommends that schools directors should take into account the participation of
stakeholders when preparing, implementing, evaluating and monitoring the school level plan. WEO
should also aid schools with allocation of school budgets, resources, and organize awareness
raising workshops, trainings etc to school principals.
