Distributed leadership and students’ academic achievement in selected secondary schools of jimma zone

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate relationship between distributed leadership and students’ academic achievement in selected secondary schools of Jimma Zone. The study employed a correlational research design and quantitative approach. A total of 16 secondary schools were selected by simple random sampling technique, particularly through lottery methods. Regarding the respondents of the study, 96 department heads, 208 teachers, 16 vice-principals and 24 unit leaders were selected using simple random sampling technique. On the other hand, 16 school principals and 8 supervisors were taken as respondents of the study. Data for the study were collected through questionnaire. Data obtained through questionnaire were analyzed using statistical tools like percentages, mean, weighed mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent sample t-test, and multiple regression analysis used by computing the data on SPSS version 20. The finding of this study indicated that distributed leadership practices were moderate in building effective relationship and sharing leadership responsibilities. However, distributed leadership practice was high in setting and defining the school vision, mission and goal. Furthermore, the findings of this study revealed that, there is statistically significant relationship between distributed leadership practice and students’ academic achievement. The finding of this study indicated that patterns of distributed leadership (formal, pragmatic and coordinated) had significant and strong positive impacts on students’ academic achievement. The major finding of this study indicated that patterns of distributed leadership (formal, pragmatic and coordinated) had significant and strong positive correlation with students’ academic achievement as well as emerged as the most significant predictor of students’ academic achievement. Therefore, it was recommended that the school leaders be committed to assisting the teaching learning process and providing distributed leadership by developing collaboration, coordination, networking and partnerships work relationships between all staff members for students’ academic success.