Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to investigate the school based decision making and its
implementation in secondary schools of jimma zone. To conduct this study descriptive survey
design was employed. Out of total population o f 241 respondents 42 teachers,15 principals
and 19 PTSA members were selected by simple random sampling methods ,while principals
by purposive and PTSA members were selected by availability sampling methods Or
techniques the data were gathered through questionnaire, FGD and document analysis data
gathered through questionnaires were analyzed through quantitative approaches using
percentages, mean standard deviation and the independent sample t- test where as data
obtained through FGD and document analysis were qualitatively analyzed. The major finding
of the study disclosed that decision making process secondary schools were practiced less
than the expected level which needs improvement in the school communities‘ involvement
such as in school budget preparation and disciplinary issues were involved at medium level in
decision making areas such as setting learning objectives and co curricular activities .the
study also revealed that students were not fully participated in school decision making in
most sampled schools .besides .the study indicated that in its implementation few school
leaders were not sufficiently effective in encouraging stakeholders and making decision.
More over fear of risk taking and un willingness to share decision with stalk holders were
found to influence school decision making .it was thus concluded the participation of teachers
,PTSA and students in areas of school decision making was medium. This is likely to affect
the overall activities of the school in general and teaching learning process in particular. Thus
it is recommended that school leaders are expected to make informed decision through active
involvement of school leaders are expected to work cooperatively to reduce fear of risk
taking, create strong sense of ownership moral and recognition among stalk holders‘ and
encourage parents to show greater interest in their children‘s education.
