Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice and challenges of
management of the educational material resource in secondary schools of Kafa
Zone. Among types of mixed research, the concurrent mixed research design was
used to conduct the study. For the case of population, simple random sampling
/lottery method/ techniques was used for the selection of school, teachers. While
purposive sampling techniques were used for school principals. In the data
analysis quantitative data gathered through close-ended questionnaires were
analyzed quantitatively through descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage,
and standard deviation were used, and the qualitative data gathered through
open-ended questions and interviews were analyzed qualitatively through
descriptive narration. Some of the major findings include: Lack of training, lack
of awareness, lack of warehouse, lack of good planning skills, lack of knowledge,
the dependability and capability of suppliers in providing the required items, and
rising prices were negatively affecting the educational resource management
practice in most secondary schools. The secondary school leaders were preparing
material resource planning without the participation of the stakeholders. Also,
educational material resources were not identified, arranged, recorded, and coded
properly in the warehouse. There was poor coordination among WEO and
secondary schools about the management of educational materials allocation and
utilization. Lack of awareness, Lack of warehouse (store), Lack of training for
staff Lack of good planning skills, and the dependability and capability of
suppliers in providing the required items and environmental factors affect
educational material resources management negatively. This led to the misuse of
educational material resources and negatively affected the management of
educational material resources and this in turn affects the quality of the teaching-
learning process. Therefore, this study recommended that WEO should employ the
right person such as a trained lab technician, librarian, and record officer at the
right place and give continuous training for secondary school staff. Also, proper
training and educational material resource management system were needed for
principals, teachers, and storekeepers. To overcome the problems related to the
management of educational materials resources allocation and utilization
activities, schools should prepare proper specifications in advance and based on
the requested specifications purchase quality materials
