The relationship between head teachers' characteristics and student involvement in public secondary school administration in Meru Central District, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out whether the involvement of students in public secondary school administration enhances or promotes effective management. Five research objectives were formulated to guide the study. The study employed descriptive survey. The sample was composed of 40 headteachers and 95 students. Data was collected by use of questionnaires. Findings revealed that there was no significant difference between head teachers age, gender. academic qualifications, professional qualifications. teachers experience and marital status and involvement of student in public secondary schools administration for effective management. It was also found out that there were no systems that facilitated students involvement in school administration. For example schools did not have students council. majority of the schools did not have students boxes. most of them however had suggestion boxes and notice boards. Based on the above findings it was concluded that age did not influence head teachers in involving students in school administration. It was also concluded that gender of the head teachers did not influence them on involving students in school administration matters. The study also concluded that head teachers experience did not influence them in involving students in school administration matters. It was also concluded that the respondents were of the opinion that students should be involved in school administration, staff management issues. curriculum and instruction and in the matters concerning the school plant. That schools limited students involvement in administration by not having things that facilitated their involvement. The study recommended that headteachers should involve students in the running of schools. it was also recommended that there should be clear guidelines on areas where students opinions who are also key players in the running of school should be addressed. It was also recommended that schools should put in place avenues for faciIitating students involvement such as students counci I and students box. It was lastly recommended that the Ministry of" Education should have a clear policy 011 the role of students in school administration. The study suggested that a study on the impact of student involvement in school administration and its effect on discipline should be conducted. Another study on factors hindering effective involvement of students in school administration should be conducted.