Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to assess the role and practices of secondary school
principals as an instructional leader. To accomplish this purpose, descriptive survey design was
used which is supplemented by qualitative research to enrich data. The study was carried out in
seven randomly selected secondary schools of Kamashi zone. Then all 93 teachers in the sample
schools included using census method. All 7unit leaders, 7 principals, 5 Cluster supervisors 7
Parent Teacher Associations, 5 Woreda supervisors were also involved in the study for
interviewing through census and purposive sampling techniques respectively. Questionnaire was
the main instrument of data collection. Document analysis & interview were also utilized to
substantiate the data obtained through the questionnaire. Frequency distributions & percentage
were employed in analyzing and reporting the results. Qualitative data obtained through
document analysis & interview was analyzed using narration. Findings revealed that Kamashi
zone secondary school principals did not successfully implemented the eight major instructional
leadership roles under the study. Accordingly, principals have shown weak performance in
defining & communicate school mission; managing curriculum& instruction; instructional
supervision; instructional learning climate; monitoring student progress; and promote teachers
professional growth etc..The major factors that affected the roles of the school principals are lack
of leadership and management skills, insufficient experience in principal ship, workload, less
parental involvement and lack of support from WEO, ZED, and REB. Finally based on the
findings and conclusions of the study recommendations forwarded that WED, ZED and REB
should regularly attend trainings organized by colleges, universities and professional bodies for
principals to acquire more knowledge about their role as instructional leaders and principals
should committed and competent to implement properly their roles as instructional leaders.
