An assessment of the training needs of heads of department of secondary schools for effective school administration in Kenya- a case study of Kisii central distric

Abstract

The main purpose of the study is to assess the training needs of the Heads of department in Secondary schools in Kenya using Kisii Central District as a case. The study was based on Hertzberg‘s two factor theory and needs assessment approach. The study used a descriptive survey research design. A total of 136 respondents (32 heads of departments, 32head teachers and 72 teachers) will be involved in the study. Stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain the study sample. The study was confined to all categories of schools in the district. The sample schools were selected through stratified sampling because there are different categories of schools including pure boys, pure girls and co-educational institutions. Simple random sampling was then used to select schools from each category. Purposive sampling was used to select the 32 head teachers and simple random sampling was used to sample 72 teachers from each strata. Data was collected using a designed questionnaire for heads of departments and teachers while head teachers were subjected to an interview schedule. Document analysis was carried out using a checklist that was tested using test and re-test while validity was determined through consulting supervisors and researchers from the department of education and policy studies. Data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presentation was by use of tables, frequencies and percentages. This was done with the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The independent variable was training needs while the dependent variable was school administration. Findings will enable the researcher to meet the objectives of the study while the recommendations of the study will equip the relevant policy makers and school administrators with vital information on critical skills required by HOD‘s in efficient administration of schools, designing appropriate training programs to address any inadequacies and point out areas for further research.