dc.description.abstract | This study set out to determine whether a relationship exists between headteachers'
management practices and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education performance in
girls' public secondary schools in Migori District. The study, specifically, looked at
the relationship between headteachers' demographic variables and girls' performance,
school factors and headteachers' management practices, and headteachers'
management practices and girls' performance. The study further considered the
problems headteachers encounter while performing management duties and their
remedies.
Headteachers' management practices considered in the study are leadership,
decision making, communication, delegation of duties, maintenance of discipline,
supervision and., inspection, school curriculum, school facilities, financial
management, and training.
The study used correlational research design and data was gathered using two
questionnaires. The questionnaires were validated using results of the pilot study and
reliability calculated. The reliability was found to be 0.94. A total of 7 headteachers
and 130 teachers returned the questionnaires. Data was then analysed with the aid of
frequencies, percentages and chi-square statistics.
The study found that:
1. All girls' public secondary schools in the District were headed by female
teachers who were over forty years of age. The female heads were all married
except two who were Catholic Nuns.
2. All heads had a Bachelors Degree with Education qualifications and had been in
the administrative posts for over six years.
3. All girls schools were District boarding except one which was found to be a
provincial boarding.
4. Headteachers delegated duties fully and involved teachers III the school
curriculum more than in decision making.
5. There was a significant relationship between headteachers' management
practices and girls' performance in K.C.S.E. in the District. Significant
relationship was also found between headteachers' administrative experience and
delegation of duties; marital status and training; and type of school and
supervision and inspection.
6. There was no significant relationship between headteachers' age, marital status,
level of education, administrative experience and their management practices.
Significant relationship also did not exist between type and size of school and
the headteachers' management practices.
The study recommends the following:
1. Headteachers be given practically oriented courses III educational
management.
2. Students should not be sent back home for school fees.
3. Preparation of schemes of work, lesson plans and notes should be upheld
alongside classroom supervision and teacher inspection.
4. Headteachers should delegate responsibilities and give teachers authority to
perform their duties.
5. Headteachers should communicate effectively and consult teachers for the
school goals to be achieved.
6. Headteachers should be transparent and accountable as far as school funds
are concerned and provide adequate physical and learning facilities.
7. The T.S.C should staff secondary schools with adequate trained teachers for
all subjects.
8. Headteachers should exercise tolerance and understanding and check the
conduct of students and teachers by enforcing laid down rules and
regulations.
The study further recommends that:
1. A research be carried out on the relationship between instructional
methods and students' academic achievement.
2. A research be done on the relationship between poverty and students'
academic achievement.
3. The current study be conducted again using a wider population of girls'
secondary schools in the country. | en |