Enhancing head teachers’ management practices in government-aided secondary schools in Wakiso District

Abstract

The study “Enhancing head teachers’ management practices in government-aided secondary schools in Wakiso district” examines head teachers’ management practices and how such practices encourage staff involvement in school administration. A qualitative study approach using a tripartite case study design was used basing on three study objectives: To examine the prevalent management practices of head teachers. To explore how head teachers carry out the two most prevalent management practices. To assess the implications of the two most prevalent management practices of head teachers. Data were collected qualitatively by using school administrators’ one-on-one interviews and student leaders’ Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Findings showed that the prevalent management practices of head teachers were: planning and coordinating. Planning was effected through setting down clear goals (two study school head teachers referred to planning as having administrative meetings). Coordinating was done through supervising and monitoring. Secondly, head teachers’ use of the management principles such as conducive work environment and delegation enabled the execution of the management practices effectively leading to staff involvement in school administration. Thirdly, staff involvement in school administration was promoted more when head teachers involved the staff in the management practices of planning and coordinating. The study recommended that first, policy makers emphasize management practice studies in training institutions to enable effective application of these practices in real life settings. Secondly, that scholars explore the contribution of particular principles of management for example, delegation and work conditions to the planning and coordination of school activities. Finally, that head teachers purposively plan and coordinate more with staff members for improved staff involvement in school administration.