The practices and challenges of school level planning and implementation: the case of east wollega zone secondary schools

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the practices and challenges of school level planning and implementation in the case of East Wollega zone secondary schools. The study employed descriptive survey research method. Secondary schools teachers, directors, supervisors and WEO were used as sources of data. Questionnaire and interview were the main tools of data collection. The data collected using questionnaires were organized in tables and converted into mean for analysis. The information obtained through interviews were coded and used to supplement and countercheck data obtained through other tools. To determine the sample size of schools found in these woredas, out of ten secondary schools 5 secondary schools was selected by using simple random sampling technique,. The secondary school cluster supervisors and schools principals were selected by using census sampling technique. The respondent teachers from five sample secondary schools were selected by using simple random sampling technique, or through lottery method with assumption that all teachers had equal chance of being selected and also to obtain representative sample. The study found out that secondary schools plans were usually prepared by principals and sometimes by teachers. Besides, the extent of stakeholders’ participation in school level plan preparation, evaluation, monitoring and implementation in the secondary school of East wollega secondary school was not satisfactory and highly dominated by principals. Further, the scarcity of budget, lack of resource, environmental situation, lack of participation of school community and PTA, lack of skilled man power in planning, , lack of evaluation of the strength and weakness of the school level plan, lacks follow up and necessary support by Woreda educational offices, lack of proper communication of leaders to school community and inaccurate data were the major challenges for preparation and implementation of school level plan. To overcome the challenges encountered, recommendations have been forwarded. These include: identifying the strength and weakens of the previous plan, evaluating and monitoring the preparing plan and take necessary action or measure, discussing with stakeholders on the problems of implementation of school level plan, giving awareness to the stakeholders, increasing school community participation and their understanding, allocating the necessary budget , resource and fund raising .10 The study recommends that schools directors should take into account the participation of stakeholders when preparing, implementing, evaluating and monitoring the school level plan. WEO should also aid schools with allocation of school budgets, resources, and organize awareness raising workshops, trainings etc to school principals.