Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between principals perceived
leadership effectiveness and students academic achievement in selected secondary schools of
Bench Sheko Zone. In this study descriptive survey study design was used in order to
measure the school leaders effectiveness in discharging their function as instructional
leaders. The primary source for this study were principals, vice principals, supervisors,
department heads and teachers. The findings of sample schools of grade 9 students’ roaster,
shows the trend of grade repetition trend look ups and down from year to year. This
indicates the effectiveness of principals’ in students academic achievement varies from year
to year rather than showing improvement. But Guraferda and sheko high schools have
increasing trend of grade repetition while Debrework and Shey Bench High Schools have
increasing trend at initial years then decreasing trend at the end of the study years.
Concerning the students who join preparatory, shows decreasing trend from the year 2007
E.C to 2011 E.C. The physical school learning materials should be made available to support
the principals’ effort effective by enhancing students’ academic achievement. In addition the
concerned bodies should build standardized digital library and laboratory service. The
researcher has recommended the zone education department and regional education Biro
should give in service short trainings to school principals about participatory decisions
making practice, delegation of authority, promoting professional practice, instructional
leadership competencies, practical school based problem solving techniques. Therefore the
woreda and zone education department heads and other government officials make free
school principals to be fully engaged on instructional leadership and only school related
activities.
