Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the practices of school-based supervision in
government secondary schools of Gambella Town Administration and Surrounding woreda.
Four basic questions were formulated, which emphasized the extent to which teachers
understand about the school-based supervision in secondary schools of Gambella Town
Administration and surrounding woreda, and the various supervisory options applied. To
conduct this study, from total of 8 (eight) government secondary schools, 4 (50%) were
selected using random sampling technique. After selecting the sample schools, school-based
supervisors, teachers and external supervisors were identified. Consequently, from a total of
329 teaching staff of these sample schools, 135(41.03%) were taken by using simple random
sampling technique particularly the lottery method. Accordingly, 4 school principals were
included in the study. Teachers have participated in the study, and questionnaire was used as
main tool of data collection, Interview and document analysis were also used to substantiate
the data gathered through questionnaires, Frequency, percentage, mean and t-test were
utilized to analyses quantitative data gained through the questionnaires. The qualitative data
gathered through interview and documents were analyzed by narration technique. The result
of the study indicated that teachers lack awareness and orientation on the activities and
significance of school-based supervision, incompetence of the practices of supervisory options
matching with the individual teacher’s development level, and inability of supervisors,
scarcity of experienced supervisors in school-based supervision activities. Finally, to
minimize the problems of school-based supervision in secondary schools it is recommended to
give relevant in-service trainings for supervisors to upgrade their supervisory activities,
necessary resources such as supervision manuals and adequate budget for the success of
supervision at the school level was suggested. And it is advisable for the woreda Education
offices, and Regional Education Bureau in cooperation with non-governmental organizations
facilitate the training programs for the effectiveness of supervision at the school level.
