Abebaw Belachew
Abebaw Belachew
Abebaw Belachew
By
Abebaw Belachew
June, 2018
Addis Ababa
iv
Practices and Problems of School Improvement Program in
Government Secondary School in Majang Zone of Gambella
Region
BY
Abebaw Belachew
June, 2018
Addis Ababa
iv
ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND
MANAGEMENT
This is to certify that the thesis prepared by Abebaw Belachew, on the Practices and
Problems of School Improvement Program in Majang Zone of Gambella Region
Secondary schools and submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of Master of Arts Leadership and Management complies with the regulation of the
University and meets the accepted standards with respect to originality and quality.
iv
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my heartfelt and deepest appreciation to my advisor Dr. Hussein
Kedir, for helping me make this thesis appear in this form Dr. Hussein‟s professional
guidance and assistance in reshaping the title and continuously encouraging my work
great role for the completion of this thesis.
I would like to express gratitude to Bizuayhu Belachew, Yalew Belachew for unreserved
material and financial support. I would like to thanks to Mengestu Hailu,and all intimate
friends for friendly encouragement.
I would like to thanks my friends Berhnu Wbetu, Teshom Adem, Berhnu Legess,
Youhans Mekuria for their support and help for the distribution, collecting of
questionnaire and thanks for all respondents for participation and to giving the reliable
information for the contribution to success this study.
Finally, this thesis is the contribution of many individuals and groups. Hence, I would
like to thank all those who contributed to the success full completion of the study.
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Table of contents
Content page
Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................................................................i
Acronyms ...............................................................................................................................................................................vi
ii
2.4.2. The General Quality Education Improvement Program (GEQIP) ....................... 20
3.8. Reliability.............................................................................................................................. 45
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3.9. Ethical Consideration ........................................................................................................... 46
References ............................................................................................................................................................................. 99
Appendix
iv
List of tables
Table 1: Population and sampling size of teachers by Secondary schools ...................... 42
Table 8. Respondents view of the practices School learning environment domain ........ 58
v
Acronyms
ARM Annual Review Meeting
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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess the Practices and Problems of School
improvement Programme for implementation in Gambella of Majng Zone.
Methodologically descriptive survey design and mixed research method was employed.
Quantitative and qualitative data was used. The study was conducted in 4 secondary
schools of the 2 woreda. From each sampled schools, teachers are selected in simple
random sampling whereas principals, vice principals, supervisors, School Improvement
Committee, Woreda Education heads, PTA members and zone educational head was
selected in purposive sampling technique. For this study data collection Instruments
included questionnaires, interview, and observation check list and document review. 113
respondents are participated in the study, from these 78 copies including close-ended and
open- ended questionnaires are distributed for teachers, supervisors, vice principals and
principals and the data obtained from questionnaires were analyzed using statistical
tools such as frequency count, percentages, weighted mean score and ANOVA test
values. Additionally the qualitative data obtained through interviews, FGD and
observation were analyzed qualitatively to substantiate the result of quantitative analysis.
The finding indicated that low collaborative planning of school improvement. Shortage of
allocating budget for the implementation of SIP, absences of school teaching facilities
like; laboratory with equipment and chemicals, computer center, plasma, shortage of
qualified teachers in each class level and subject area. However to alleviate the problems
and to improve quality of education it was suggested that WEO should allocate adequate
budget and schools should design income generating mechanism, fulfill school facilities,
making active participation of stakeholders on planning\and to practices SIP, making
monitoring and evaluation on school improvement program implementation.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals with background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of
the study, significance of the study, delimitation of the study, organization of the study
and operational definition of key terms.
Educators around the world have been trying to make changes in schools and trying to
make schools to more efficient and effective. Throughout the mid and late 1970s school
1
improvement efforts were directed at improving students‟ basic skills and implementing
statewide testing Programs to ensuring acquisitions of these skills (Carlson, 1996).
According to the MOE‟s(2007), school improvement program blue print document, the
timely and the basic aim of the program is improving students‟ academic achievement
through creating conducive teaching and learning environment and with active
involvement of parents in the teaching learning process. Then, for the success of school
improvement program it needs the commitment and actively participation of all the
school stakeholders especially, schools principals, supervisors, SIP committee, teachers
and Students. Those, stakeholders are a responsibility to identify the barriers as the
2
problems of to practice school improvement program so as takes corrective measurement
on time. Therefore, all the above explanation is the researcher‟s needs to investigate the
practice and problems of school improvement program of Gambella Region in Majange
Zone government secondary schools.
Ayalew Shebeshi (2009), Ethiopian secondary schools have been facing challenges for a
long time regarding the quality of Education in enhancing students academic
achievement due to a shortage of facilities, a shortage of qualified teachers, poor
leadership and management, absence of attractive learning environments and
unsatisfactory parents and local community involvement. Nevertheless, to minimize the
challenges in the education system, the Education Quality Improvement Program (EQIP)
was designed and the School Improvement Program (SIP) as a sub-main component was
launched in 1999 so as to enhance quality at all levels to improve secondary school
education.
3
According to the MOE, (2007), is widely acknowledged that in general, achievements in
access have not been accompanied by sufficient improvements in quality- in fact in some
areas quality has deteriorated at least partly as a result of rapid expansion. However, the
education system in Ethiopia has been suffering from quality and relevance, efficiency,
educational leadership practices and organization problems (MOE, 2005).
In response to this MOE (2010) stated that schools to experience sustained improvement,
it is probably necessary that school staff and their surrounding communities take
responsibility for their own improvement. But for schools to be able to take such
improvement actions they need to be supported by experts and supervisors in
administration and they need to receive some funds (MOE, 2010). Therefore, To improve
the quality of education through school improvement program the strategies on ESDP IV
focus on guide lines and instruments on how to prepare a school improvement plan is
prepared and distributed to schools, Giving training for the Woreda education office and
regional bureau experts to support schools and communities for the practices of school
improvement program.
According to MOE (2007), the school improvement program required schools to do the
major activities such as: preparation and collecting of information, system survey,
deciding performance level of school, designing SIP plan, implementation of the plan,
monitoring and evaluation as well as reporting. From the explanation of MOE (2005) in
ESDPII, the quality of education needs to be improved in order to enhance completion
rates, maintain the confidence of parents in school system and increase student‟s results.
4
To implement effective school improvement programme in secondary schools (9-12th) of
Majang zone improving students‟ achievement, the school community and stakeholders
must also have the knowledge and understanding of school improvement strategy.
Otherwise, secondary schools will experience immense problems. Despite school
improvement changes taking place at secondary school level, the researcher feels that
most school communities and stakeholders in Ethiopia particularly in majang zone
currently seem to be lacking effectiveness and understanding with regard school
improvement programme. The schools, therefore, perform below government
expectations with respect to the achievement of secondary school improvement
programme goals.
1. What are the existing practices of school improvement program in Majange zone
secondary schools?
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2. What are the major factors that affect for the practices school improvement in
secondary school of Majang zone?
3. What monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are put in place to follow the proper
practice SIP in Majange zone secondary schools?
4. To what extent have teachers, students and parents participating in school
improvement planning and practices SIP in the secondary schools?
5. To what extent are practices and problems of school improvement program
implementation secondary schools?
This study was to assess the practices and problems of school improvement program in
government secondary school of Majange Zone.
2. To identify the major problems that affects the practices of school improvement
program in Majange zone secondary school.
3. To assess the method of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in the practices
and problems of school improvement program in Majange zone
4. To assess the participation of stakeholders in the contribution of school plan
development and the practices of school improvement program.
5. To identify the practices and problems for the implantation of SIP in Majange zone.
6
1.4 Significance of the Study
To assess the practices and Problems of school improvement program and to determine
the difference to practice and Problems that face the school improvement program. This
study has identified the problems in the areas of teaching and learning process, the school
learning environment, school leadership and management, and community involvement
in the practices of school improvement programme. The results of the study can help
policymakers in Ethiopia, mainly in Gambella region and Majang zone, to make
informed decisions about reform in secondary schools. It has also recommended possible
solutions to the problems facing the practices of school improvement programme. This
recommendation has hopefully contributed to better practices of school improvement
programmes in Majang zone. This study is significant especially at secondary school
level because it can add to the existing knowledge base on the practices of school
improvement programmes. Furthermore, it has informed the school principals and school
governing bodies of the performance gap in the practices of the school improvement
programme. The study has hopefully improved the practice of teaching and learning,
thereby contributing to the success of students. The study will also help to explore
challenges and opportunities and pave ways for improving secondary school reform to
influence school principals, school governing bodies, teachers, students, parents and other
partners to take on their roles in an effective and efficient way that will inevitably
improve the secondary school quality of education.
This study is delimited in Majang zone of Gambella region on the practices and problems
of school improvement program. The zone has six secondary schools. However the study
in four governmental secondary schools in Majng zone due to time and financial
constraint. Moreover, this study focuses on investigating Participation of teachers,
principals, supervisors, community and parents in planning and Practices of SIP,
monitoring and evaluation mechanism of stakeholders and the factor affecting the school
improvement program in government secondary schools of Majang zone.
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1.6. Limitations of the Study
Due to time and financial constraint, the researcher had to be limited only to the above
four secondary schools. The other limitation was that the Woreda education office heads
were busy in engaging in various meetings and some PTA members and SIC committee
members in other businesses, it was not easy to get them for an interview and FGD. Other
limitation was the sampled schools teachers, principals and supervisors were difficult to
fail questioners and involved in interview, because of due to lat salary payment.
However, the researcher tolerated the problems and repeatedly communicated with them
going to Woreda education office and schools and conducted the interviews and
attempted to make the study as complete as possible.
School Improvement program - The program with the objective to improve students‟
achievement by creating a positive learning environment (MOE, 2007)
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1.8 Organization of the Study
The study has included five chapters. In Chapter one includes introduction, background
of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, significance of the study,
delimitation of the study, organization of the study and definition of key terms , the
second chapter presents reviews of related literature. Chapter three deals with the
research design and Methodology of the study, source of data, sample and sampling
techniques, the study of population, instrument of the study and data collection, method
of data analysis, procedures of data collection. Chapter four deals presentation and
analysis of findings, the final chapter‟s deals contains major finding, conclusion and
recommendation of the study.
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CHAPTER TWO
The Concept of the school and school system is the basic issues to be discussed in the
context of school improvement. And also School system is a dynamic system where
input, throughput, output and process are continually. This continually changing feature
of school system demands it for continuous improvement. To this extent different authors
are define in different way of expression. the MOE(2005) indicted that school
improvement as a process, it is continuous activity of fulfilling different inputs,
upgrading school performance and bringing better learning outcomes at school level. This
improvement is not routine practices which can be performed in day to day activity in the
school.
10
Gray (2001) citied in Zijian and Williams (2006) stated that school improvement is the
process of improving the way that schools organize, promote and support learning. It
includes changing aims, expectations, organization (sometimes people), and ways of
learning and methods of teaching and organizational culture. School improvement is
commonly defined as the general efforts to make schools better places for pupils to learn
in and the distinct approach for educational change that enhance student out come as well
as for managing change.
The word Schools are considered learning communities with active stakeholder
engagement in learning and problem-solving and Improvement is defined as a continuous
and evolving process, „the way things are around here‟ (Mitchell et al., 2002). „School
improvement‟ means making schools better places for learning. Jeilu (2010) states school
improvement is an activity to improve the input and process in order to improve teaching
learning and students result .In this context school improvement is not only about the
outcome, but also the importance of input. school improvement is commonly defined as
the general efforts to make schools better places for pupils to learn in and the distinct
approach for educational change that enhance students outcome as well as managing
change .
11
According to MOE (2011) indicated School Improvement is a current and important
concept focusing on the review of the overall status of schools in terms of different
school domains and conduct self-evaluation to improve the educational inputs and
process whereby enabling students to score excellent results. And he continues, The main
focus of School Improvement lies on student learning and the learning outcome. To this
effect, schools should primarily identify their weakness and strength and prioritize each
school domain and set goals; similarly, it is a continuous process wherein all members of
the school community and other stakeholders contribute for the student learning and
improvement of their results.
Generally, School Improvement Program is designed to assist schools to: identify priority
needs through a process of self-assessment; develop an effective and practical School
Improvement Plan to address those needs; and then monitor and assess implementation,
coordinated efforts made both within and out of classroom and school levels to change
factors that are related to students learning with the ultimate goal of maximizing the level
of learners‟ achievement and school capacity to manage change.
The school improvement process is a systematic approach that follows its own principles.
Luneburg & Ornstein (1991) cited in MOE (2010) have listed the following guiding
principles that need to: Schools should employ a set of goals and mission which are easy
to understand; Student achievement must be continuously checked and evaluated;
Schools need to help specially the low achievers need to be tutored and enrichment
programmes should be opened for high talented students; Principals and staff should
actively be involved in continuous capacity building to update their knowledge,
information and to develop positive thinking; Every teacher needs to contribute to
successful implementation of the school improvement programme; Teachers must be
involved in staff development by planning and implementing the school improvement
programme; School environment has to be safe, healthy and pupil friendly; School
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community relationships should be strengthened so that community and parents need to
be involve in school improvement programme implementation.
School leadership should be shared among staff, student and parents. In line with the
school improvement principles above the study were weigh up the practices of current
school improvement programme practices in secondary schools (grades 9 th-12th) of the
Majang Zone.
School improvement program needs to be planned and managed to take place over a
period of several years. Then has it to be related to the schools procedure, role allocations
and resource use that support the teaching and learning process (Hopkins, 2005:10-12).
The school capacity determines the provision of quality learning for all students. Thus,
schools need to apply the four domains and with the elements to provide quality
education for all students. Regarding to this, The MOE (2011) indicated that the main
focus of School Improvement lies on student learning and the learning outcome. To this
effect, schools should primarily identify their weakness and strength and prioritize each
school domain and set goals; similarly, it is a continuous process wherein all members of
the school community and other stakeholders contribute for the student learning and
improvement of their results. The four school domains are indicated below with in
description:-
Promoting the learning and achievement of student is the main objective of school
education. The school improvement research highlights the centrality of teaching and
learning in the pursuit of sustained school improvement (Hopkins, et al,1994).Because
,teaching and learning is what ultimately make a difference in the mind of the learner,
and affect knowledge, skills, attitudes and the capacity of pupils to contribute to
contemporary societies.
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High quality learning occurs when teachers make appropriate decisions about what is
taught, how to engage students in meaningful experiences and how progress will be
assessed to inform future actions. According to Hopkins (1994) pointed out the main
focus for school improvement action should be on teaching and learning process in the
class room. It is also further noted such class room practice can be sustained through
ongoing staff development prefer ability on areas such as teaching skill and knowledge of
curriculum content, It also stressed on collaboration as necessary condition for practices
to occur when group of teachers adopt education ideas to their own context and
professional.
Classroom conditions are the critical facts in teaching and learning process. Student and
teacher related factors are among the major classroom conditions that influences teaching
and learning (Hopkins, 2002:89). If the teacher is to provide the kind of teaching best
suited for each learner, he/she must be well familiar with their abilities, potentialities,
background, problems, and needs. Without this knowledge the problem of motivation,
provision for individual differences and adjusting methods to meet students‟ needs, and
selecting instructional strategies becomes very difficult (Clark and Starr, 1967).
Hence, teachers are the key role players in teaching and learning processes to ensure the
achievement of instructional objectives with in turn improve students‟ achievement. For
the achievement of student, Planning is one of the first steps for effective teaching .In
educational context, planning help teachers to produce well organized class and to create
conducive classroom atmosphere by reducing disciple problems. Moreover, planning
guide the teacher to answer what, who, when, were, and how questions.
Assessment is also part of the process of learning by which pupils recognize a gap
between the state of their knowledge and the expected learning outcomes to be achieved
during instruction. It also helps teachers to understand the level of pupils achievement
improve teaching techniques, and give constructive feedback to them. According to
James and Gipps(1998), Assessment influences learning in four main ways: (I) provide
learning ;(II) helping pupils and teachers decide what to learn;(III) helping pupils how to
learn; and (IV)helping pupils to learn how the effectiveness of their learning. Thus,
14
assessment can be seen by teachers and students as an enabling process that create a
learning environment in which teachers and students take action to close that gap helping
learner to learn how to learn and judge effectiveness.
The strategy of teaching is that, the teaching methods used by a teacher influence student
learning either positively or negativity. Harris (2002:3) suggested with successful school
improvement, “There is an emphasis up on well defined student learning out comes along
with the providing of clear instruction frame work”. Currently, different studies show
how the use of diversified student centered teaching and learning strategies is more
important than sole reliance on the teacher as the only source of knowledge.
Even though, there is no one best strategy, the importance of active learning is highly
emphasized in support of active method Aggrawal,(1996) and ICDR (1999) argue that
children learn best when they are active and strategies used by the teachers are in
accordance with their development pattern and meet their interests and needs. Under the
elements of teaching and learning domain describe (I) Use of Teaching method in the
class room (II) Curriculum (III) Teachers‟ Professional Development and (IV) Learning
and Evaluation system in the class room.
The basic functions of Leadership is about having vision and articulating, ordering
priorities, getting other to go with you, constantly reviewing what you are doing and
holding on to things you value (Adesina,1990). Whereas Management can be defined as
the organization and mobilization of all human and material resource in a particular
system. And also management are planning, organizing, staffing, evaluating and
developing. Then leading and managing domain is concerned with communicating a clear
vision for a school and establishing effective management structures. Leaders set
directions and guide the school community in alignment of its purpose and practice.
Effective leadership within the school is collegial, student centre and teacher focused,
promoting a collective responsibility for improvement.
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In school, the quality improvement can be determined by quality of leadership.
According to Rao (2003), the quality of leadership has the following components. (I)
Sensitivity: active listening, giving feedback, negotiation, giving praise, managing
conflict, networking and empathizing. (II) Creativity: in order to make the vision live,
leadership has to be creative; to find solution to problems and to generate solutions that
address the issue. (III) Empowerment: release the potential of individuals, allowing them
to flourish and grow as people rather than as employees to release their capacity for finite
improvement. (IV) Managing change. The elements of Leadership and management are;
Administrative regulation and staff structure, Strategic direction, Strategic planning of
SIP, Consultation and communication, Financial management, management of
infrastructure and physical resources, human resources management, building the
leadership capacity of the school community, establishing a positive relationship to
sustain good practices, monitoring and evaluation.
Schools are a place where students acquire education. A safe and suitable school
environment fosters smooth relationship based on mutual respect and understanding.
According to Mick Zais (2011), School Environment means the extent to which school
settings promote student safety and student health, which may include topics such as the
physical plant, the academic environment, available physical and mental health supports
and services, and the fairness and adequacy of disciplinary procedures, as supported by
relevant research and an assessment of validity. Environment plays a vital role in the
development of the personality of the students. Physical environments or the places, in
which formal learning occurs, range from relatively modern and well-equipped buildings
to open-air gathering places. Learning environment are made up of physical,
psychosocial and service delivery elements (UNICEF, 2000).
If students are empowered and feel safe in their schools, they can learn with interest. In
safe and attractive educational learning environments students willingly engage and
participate in the broad range of learning opportunities. When school environment is
suitable for learning and teaching process, it contributes greatly for the quality of
education (MOE, 2007:7).So, the environment should stimulate purposeful students‟
16
activity, and they should allow for a depth and ranges of activities that facilitate learning.
They contribute to decisions about their learning and their contributions are valued.
School safety requires a broad-based effort by the entire community including leaders,
teachers, students and parents. Meyer also suggested that by adopting a comprehensive
approach to addressing school safety focusing on presentation, intervention, and
response, schools can increase the safety and security of students. All conscious and
concerted efforts undertaken at any level of the educational system are ultimately to
create an enabling environment the school level so that the school as a mission center
realizes the objectives of educational system (MOE, 2002 ).
Under the School learning environment domain different elements are describe. The
elements are activate how; quality learning environments are created to focus on student
needs and foster potential skills and interests, schools create opportunities for students to
develop into self-regulating learners within and beyond the classroom and Schools value
participation, and support student expression of new knowledge and understanding.
MOE (1998) listed the following basic principles of community involvement strategies in
schools: several village meetings must be held in order to discuss with the villages what
their interest and problems are with the schooling of their children; a leader for any
school based on community should be necessarily identified; and normally it is necessary
to give a real role to the parents in the day to day management of a school . According to
Kruger,A.G.(1996); community involvement is as a means of activated parents to get
17
involved in schools; helping children with homework, fund raising; maintenance building
and grounds; transporting of pupil‟s; Organizing functions at school helping with
extracurricular activities and supporting school activities.
From this, the Ministry of Education(1996) indicated that the following activities as a
means for parents to get school; helping children with homework, fund raising ;
maintenance building and supporting of pupil„s; organization functions at school helping
with extracurricular and supporting school activities. In addition to this The MOE (2006)
report indicated that, school in general and teacher and students in particular benefit a lot
from the involvement of community in the issue of schools. These elements describe
how; (i) Working together with parents (ii) Involving the communities (iii) Promoting
school improvement
Ethiopia is one of the countries with the highest scarcity of having educated man power
who can enable the country to achieve the millennium development goals and facilitate
the economic development of the country. World Bank (2001) report indicated that
Ethiopia is one of the most educationally disadvantaged countries of the World, and the
education sector is characterized by extremely low participation rates and low quality at
all levels. Thus, the Education and Training Policy document of 1994 was designed to
achieve the future economic development goals that identified clear strategies for the
education system to achieve the mission and goals entrusted to it (ETP, 1994).
According to the Education and Training Policy of 1994 in Ethiopia, primary education
lasts for eight years and is divided into grades 1-4 (primary first cycle) and grades (5-8)
second primary education cycle. Secondary education is also divided into two cycles,
each with its own specific goals. The structures of the education system for secondary
school are as follows: grades 9-10 (secondary first cycle) and grades 11-12th (secondary
second cycle). The first secondary cycle provide general secondary education and, upon
completion of grade 10, students are then streamed based on their performance in the
secondary education completion certificate examination, and enter either into grades 11-
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12th preparatory as preparation for university, or into technical and vocational education
and training (TVET).
The Ethiopian Education and Training policy decentralized power, authority and the
management of services to schools, where the provision of education is the concurrent
responsibility of federal, regional, and local governments. This is explained by the
Education and Training Policy that the federal government plays a dominant role in the
provision of post-secondary education, while also setting standards and providing overall
policy guidance, monitoring and evaluation, and support for the entire sector (MOE,
1994). Managing the work of colleges of teacher education which supply primary
teachers; adapting the curriculum to the region; examining students at the end of primary
school; and overall supervision and monitoring (MOE, 2010:6). Districts are largely
responsible for the implementation of all educational activities and are responsible for
recruiting personnel and paying the salaries of primary and secondary school teachers,
visiting schools to supervise teachers and delivering non-salary inputs (either in cash or
in kind) to schools (MOE, 2008).
The Government presented the national education and Training Policy (ETP) in 1994,
within the framework of the ETP launched the first five year Education Sector
Development Program (ESDP I) in 1997 as part of a twenty- year education sector plan.
As indicated above the policy document, the main objective of the education sector is to
provide good quality education with an ultimate aim of achieving universal primary
education over a period of 20 years. The police also education aims to make education
more relevant by emphasizing problem solving skills, providing vocational education and
training at different education levels in line with human resource requirements of the
economy, providing good quality secondary and higher education in equitable way , and
make special and non-formal education available in line with the needs and capability of
the country.
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Moreover, the policy also aims at improving the training and career development of
teachers, decentralizing the management and administration of education, increasing
resource by encouraging community participation , introducing cost sharing mechanisms
and increasing the involvement of the private sectors, and improving the collaboration of
the education sector with others sectors (MOE, 1994).Thus, as the expansion of the
education system resulted in decline of quality , the policy document gives due attention
to quality issues for different levels of education by recognizing that education plays a
key role to bring about economic development to the country.
To come to the point ;that is to the center of attention of this study, undoubtedly, there
was deterioration of quality of education as there was expansion in poor school
environment during the course of practices of the education sector Development
programs. It is widely acknowledged that achievement in access have not been
accompanied by Sufficient improvements in quality.
20
MOE (2005) pointed out that in response to quality deterioration; ESDP III gives high
priority to quality improvement at all level of the education system. regarding to theses
the draft of general educational quality improvement program 2007 shows that the reform
package, the General Education Quality Improvement (GEQIP), encompasses four key
areas of intervention (I) the Teacher Development program (II) Curriculum Development
,(III)Leadership and Management ,and (IV)the school Improvement program- and two
complementary package „Civics and Ethical Education„ and „Information
communications Technology‟. A key recommendation of the Education Sector Annual
Review meeting (ARM) in 2007 was that, MOE and Development partners (DPs)work
together to implement the GEQIP through a pooled funding mechanism. During the
annual review meeting of MOE 2007 the proposed program will support the
implementation of the first four of the six components of the GEQIP, namely: Teacher
Development Program (TDP) including English Language Quality Improvement Program
(ELQIP); Curriculum, Textbooks and Assessment; Management and Administration
program (MAP) with an Education Management Information System (EMIS) sub-
component; and School Improvement program (SIP) with a school Grant sub-component.
The overall objective of the proposed program is to improve the quality of general
education (Grade 9th-12th) throughout the country.
The Education Sector Development Program (ESDP) is a programme of action for the
realization of the goals of the Education Training Policy. The Education Sector
Development Program was introduced in 1997 as a vehicle for implementing the 1994
Education and Training policy, which envisaged to improve education quality, relevance,
efficiency, equity and expand access to education, with special emphasis on primary
education in rural and disadvantage areas, as well as the promotion of education for girls
as a first step to achieve universal primary education by 2015 (MOE, ESDP I, 1997).
21
It has been noted by different writers that the education sector development programme
in Ethiopia has its own rationale. The World Bank(2001) indicated that , from
government perspective, the problems of education were massive , and isolated project
were felt to provide inadequate out comes for improving the situation .The sector wide
approach was preferred as it was likely to identify ,address ,and have success in solving
the most critical problems of education as a whole.MOE believed that education sector
development programme is the best approach as it covers all areas of education
(MOE,2002:and MOE,2004).
The Ethiopian Government has launched ESDP I, ESDP II, ESDP III, and ESDP IV.
These successive five year nationwide Education Sector Development Programs (ESDP
I, ESDP II, and ESDP III) have already been implemented and now ESDP IV is being
implemented (2010/11 -2015/16). Ethiopia realizes that increasing the coverage of
education is only part of the battle and the push to increase coverage has been
accompanied, in recent years, by a national program to improve the quality of education
delivered, to keep children in school and reduce dropout rates. ESDP III (2005/06 – 2009
/10) was launched in August 2005. As the PASDEP document explained, during the
period of implementation of ESDP III , the overall goal of the education sector was “to
achieve the MDGs and meet the objective of National Development plan through
supplying qualified trained work force with the necessary quantify and qualify at all
levels”. The specific objectives of ESDP III were to: Increase access to and participation
22
in education and training and ensure equity; Ensure education and training quality and
relevance; lower education inefficiency; prevent HIV/AIDS; and Increase the
participation of stakeholders.
Under ESDP III Ethiopia made significant progress in education .Access at all levels of
the education system increased at a rapid rate, in line with a sharp increase in the number
of teachers, schools and institutions. Woreda education offices and communities have
strengthened their involvement in education planning, management and delivery. Proxy
indicators for quality show that there is a considerable challenge to meet the ESDPIII
target set for 2009/10. In line with these, the 2007 NLA identified the following factors
relating to low student learning outcomes: (i) school organization and management ;(ii)
teacher training on new techniques; (iii) school supplies; (iv) availability of text books;
(v) curricular and instructional materials; and (vi) language of instruction ESDP IV
(2010/11-2015/16) was released in 2009. The priorities for general education under
ESDP IV relate to two major objectives: to improve the quality of general education and
to increase access and equity. The quality improvement program integrates core priorities
such as “teacher and leader development” and “Information and communication
Technologies” (ICT) (MOE, 2007).
Under ESDP IV the overall goals for general Education are: to generalize access to
quality basic education in order to make sure that all children, youngsters and adults
acquire the competencies, skills, values, and attitudes enabling them to participate fully in
social, economic and political development of Ethiopia; and to sustain equitable access to
quality, secondary education service as the basis and bridge to the demand of the
economy for middle level and higher level human resources.
23
NGOs and other community members towards the goal of sustaining quality education.
School improvement program is one of the six pillars of achieving quality education, one
of which is the strategy for Teachers‟ Development Program (TDP) in which CPD is at
the centre (MOE, 2007).
The quality of education to a great extent depends on the success of school improvement
program which in turn depends on the quality and competence of teachers in their
professional development. From those stakeholders, Teachers are the nucleus of school
partners for school improvement program (SIP) and school based CPD is the crucial
component of school improvement program. MOE (2009) indicated that, In the process
of raising pupils‟ achievement, CPD and SIP cannot be seen separately, but used together
to provide a holistic approach to the improvement of learning and teaching in each
school. And also According to Simpkins (2009) view, SIP is not a separate process led by
higher level administrators. Rather, it is the flip side of the coin of the school based CPD.
Hence, school improvement activities are most effective when carried out in
collaboration with consolidated teacher professional development program.
24
givers to enhance student learning. In the literature on professional development, one sees
an increasing attention to embedding teacher learning opportunities in the day-to-day
work of schools (Little, 1994).
Almost School improvement program always calls for enhancing the knowledge, skills,
and dispositions of teachers and supporting staff. According to MOE, (2008:47) further
proclaims that the school leadership team has to have strategies in place to assist teachers
to continue to develop and share deep understandings of how students learn
subject/content, including prerequisite skills and knowledge, common student
misunderstanding and errors, learning difficulties and effective interventions. Whatever
course of action a school adopts, success usually is central to providing support and
resources for teachers to strengthen existing expertise or to learn new practices. Teacher
knowledge and skills are at stake as well, as their beliefs and attitudes, their motivations,
their willingness to commit, and their capacity to apply new knowledge to their particular
school and classrooms. Professional development and implementation usually should not
be separate steps in the process of change in the school improvement program (Simpkins,
2009).
Plan is a corner stone for any effective implementation. School improvement planning is
considered as road Map that sets out change school needs to make improve the level of
student achievement (ElC, 2000). It is a continuous process that brings improvement in
25
schools. Others consider it both as a mechanism to measure improvement and document
for monitoring progress. This happens when plan preparation is governed by leading
principles. In this regard MOE (2006) indicated the following key principles in school
improvement plan preparation. The target for school improvement is to achieve student
outcome; School principal is the leader of school improvement; Students and parents
have adequate knowledge about school improvement; School improvement planning
process is a team work that demands stake holder‟s adequate understanding about the
task to actively participate in the development.; School improvement planning a
continuous process that requires follow up to take immediate corrective measures; School
improvement plan target/goals are set based on reliable data sources , the quality of
school improvement plan document is determined by the quality and efficiency of those
professionals involved in the development of the process.
School planning is a dynamic and systematic process. Schools should ensure that their
processes allow planning to evolve to meet changing needs and circumstances. School
Improvement Framework Schools will establish a school improvement committee who
will work with the principal to develop and monitor the school‟s planning and
improvement processes (ACT, 2004). Based on principles, school which implements
school improvement programs pay attention to the following six issues for plan and
implement (MOE, 2006, 2007). These are contextual understanding, collecting, and
organizing, analyzing, setting goals prioritization and issue of concern, selecting best
practice, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Throughout the process without
active involvement of key school improvement stake holders such as parents, community
members, principals, teachers and students; attainment of the objective of the school
improvement is unthinkable. In strategic and the annual preparation all the concerned
need to work collaboratively with strong sense of team. Strategic planning is the central
role of school; hence, participatory sense of ownership, clear understanding of the
process and commitment are among factors that need to deserve attention during strategic
plan preparation on the part of school improvement plan.
26
2.7. School Improvement Committee
School improvement is work that requires collaborative efforts of stake holders, form
plan preparation through implementation and evaluation. To begin with school
improvement process the first step should be establishing school improvement
committee/team. Barnes (2004:5) suggest that the way to start school improvement is to
create a school improvement team and the team is a group of people who work together
to develop lead, and coordinate the school improvement process. According to the same
author the responsibility of school improvement team/committee includes: meet with
each other members of the school community to inform them of self study and its
objectives and process: obtain the input of faculty and staff and incorporate in to self
study process, collect data, meet regularly to discuss progress, make preliminary
conclusions and reflect on what data shows ,as well as on the process itself; assist with
documentation and evaluation of self study ;and assign and negotiate collection tasks
with in school community (Barnes, 2004).
According to MOE (2006), the school committee members are comprised of teachers,
management personnel, students, parents and community and the principal of each
schools works as the committee chairman. The MOE (2006), indicated, The school
improvement committee responsibilities in the school in the document includes; to be
prepare school improvement plan ,they out line strategies through which the school
community contribute substantially to the school improvement; the organize a system
which a school community participates in the school improvement program starting from
self evaluation to implementation and assessment ;and they implement such systems
closely supervises school improvement plan provide the necessary assistance and
support; and at the end academic year present a report to the school community on the
improvement activities carried out by the school. Based on the evaluation report they
inform the schools‟ status to the local community (MOE, 2006). The school
improvement team/committee conducts school self evaluation that is the starting point to
draft school improvement plan it gives direction to what issues should be addressed first
and what follows based on the priority given by school leaders, students and parents.
School can plan and implement their school improvement programs only when they are
27
aware of their current status in respect to the four domains based on reliable and accurate
information and when they design and perform their improvement plan (MOE, 2006).
In Ethiopia with the intension of improving the quality of education, much effort has
been exerted. For instance, during supervision of the program many efforts were made to
assess the experience of the best promoting school with in the country and experiences of
other countries. Different guidelines and frame works were developed and awareness
raising training was conducted at different level (MOE, 2007:47).Thus the secondary
schools are expected to successfully implement the school improvement program.
However, SIP is a very wide spread phenomenon and a wide variety of improvement
efforts can be found. to be any importance for school effectiveness school improvement
should use the school effectiveness, knowledge base and be directed to the application of
this knowledge as focused intervention, emphasizing implementation, emphasis outcomes
and evaluation techniques to practice school improvement program.
Implementation in the first year: preparation the school improvement unit decides how to
implement and guide the frame work. The school improvement committees and all
stakeholders of the school will help for implementation of the framework and school
preparation; collect evidences regarding the school domains making system survey:
regarding current school work efficiency assess the views of stakeholders (students,
parents and teachers). It is duties which school engage feedback regarding the four
domains of schools using survey decide and reach in agreement by investigating the
collected data for school work efficiency. The key stakeholders (teachers, students and
parents) should participate in the annual school evaluation.
In this respect the school improvement framework implementation will relate with
teaching & learning activities; and prepare plan of the school, the improvement unit,
using the result of evaluation will prepare plan for three years and annual plans. The plan
incorporates goals of objectives and priorities of the activities. Implementation of the
school plan: implementing the plan will start when the school improvement committee is
believed that the plan prepared is ready for implementation. This means that using
28
feedback transfer from the previous plan and new improved plan, follow-up and control
the committee itself and other stakeholders will make followed up and control system,
report of the implementation, the school improvement committee will present the annual
report for the school community and for the responsible bodies. Implementation in the
second year: - schools will evaluate their improvement regarding the goal sets and
priorities differentiate where there are new priorities, select where there are standards
which are not evaluated, lastly the committee will report the progress of the SIP.
Implementation of the third year: - schools will control then improvement through
evaluation; implementation of strategic plan will continue; making follow up and
evaluation; schools activities and results will be evaluated and provided feedback by out
of school unit using the concrete evidences of the schools by identifying their strengths
and weakness recommendation will be provided and feedback will be reported to the
school (MOE, 1999:6).
The school improvement is complex process which can be challenged by different factors
during its implementation. In this respect, Fullan (2001:89-90) has noted that when a new
initiative is introduced undoable it will create difficult to both individuals and
institutions. Thus for success of the program it need to consider challenging factors prior
to the implementation of the program and in due process. It is even more serious in
developing countries like ours. A lot of attempts made in reform and improvement to
change endeavor has been facing challenge.
Some of the problems identified by Khosa (2009) include; many schools are
dysfunctional, and are not transforming time, teaching, physical and financial resources
in learning outcomes. Next curriculum delivery is poor; teachers do not complete the
curriculum, and pitch their teaching at levels than those demanded by the curriculum. In
addition, district support and monitoring functions are inadequate and in effective. Last
but not least, community supports of schools are low.
29
Earl et al. (2003) the challenges to school improve attempts are: although pressure is
often necessary to focus improvement and push beyond trivial changes. Next, as school
improvement networks evolve, the challenge to motivate the involvement of a critical
mass of teachers intensifies. Along with the routine challenge of getting staff to “buy in “
we heard about the complications that came from routine changes in staff over time,
Besides schools were certainly collecting and trying to use data in to their planning and
decision making. This is an area that appears to need ongoing and focused attention for
all schools.
As school improvement manual (MOE, 2007) states about the obstacles of SIP
implementation Includes lack of commitment to depart from traditional practices,
absence of responsible organized effort at all levels which could direct and monitor the
program implementation ,shortage of training ,lack of initiative and good look on the part
of some teachers and school leaders, absence of awareness creations among stakeholders
and absence of clearly stated role about the participation level of each stake holders
.Similarly, Harris in Hopkins (2002:19) has noted difficult to change school management
arrangement and working culture as challenge to SIP in developing countries. In our case
too, school improvement was challenged by lack of necessary input, lack of commitment,
low level of motivation, poor leadership and the like are expected challenges in the
implementation of school improvement program.
In fact clean, quiet, full equipment, comfortable and healthy environment are an
important of successful teaching and learning. Bishop (1995:111) point out there is a
relation that exists between school facilities and students learning. The author states that
the availability of school facilities such as teaching materials and equipment, laboratory
apparatus, specialist work rooms, the media of communication, the design of the class
room, the climate of the school have an acceleration or a deadening influence on the
students learning. From the view of the above authors, it is clear that school facilities
30
enhance or affect students learning. This in turn that school facilities can affect school
improvement program implementation.
In school improvement program to raise the question like; what does it mean to be
improving school? How can it be measured? This point stretched to the evaluation
process of school improvement. Earl el al (2003), although school effectiveness and
school improvement research have been areas of intense activity for several decades, they
are, in many ways, still in their infancy. Certainly, the work that has been done in many
different countries extended our knowledge and understanding about ways in which
education and the broader and community can engage in process to improve school.
Goldstein (1998) in Earl et al. (2003) indicate that the academic research community is
just beginning to establish some comprehensive models of how school can change to
become more effective and to develop research methodologies and analysis techniques
that capture the complexity of change. The implication of measuring school improvement
is for reaching with regard to the trends in evaluating of school improvement initiatives .
Monitoring and evaluation consist in measuring the status of objective or activity against
an “expected target” that allows judgment or comparison (UNESCO, 2006).with this
regard, school improvement guide line prepared by MOE has given emphasis monitoring
and evaluation.
31
subject type. This shows that monitoring and evaluation is an integral part of school
improvement plan implementation.
To attain high student achievement level, schools set goals for improvement and make
decision on how and when this goal may be achieved, create positive environment for
learning and increase the degree to which parents are involved in their children‟s learning
at school and in home (EIC, 2000). School improvement by its nature is continuous
process that can systematically put in to the reality. MOE (2006), on SIP training manual
out lined different stages that the school needs to pass through to realize the improvement
effort. The Coordination of this evidence-base is a continuous process, designed to
efficiently and effectively distribute effort and resources to best meet changing needs and
address school and system priorities. From this, MOE (2007, b & c), indicated that, the
preliminary stages such as formation of school improvement team/committee,
understanding the context and setting issue of concern and other phases like, preparation
of school improvement plan implementation, follow up and monitoring the
implementation as well as Evaluation.
The Improvement Cycle uses an evidence-based model that helps schools to implement a
more effective continuous Improvement Cycle. The process as depicted in the Ethiopian
school improvement Frame work document has shown in the following three year school
improvement cycle (MOE, 2007c).
32
1st year
-Self evaluation
- planning
- Implementation
3rd year -Monitoring &evaluation 2nd year
-self evaluation
- Yearly self evaluation -Planning
- Planning - Implementation
- Implementation -Following &
monitoring
- Monitoring and evaluation -External
Validation
- reporting
Source: MOE (2011)
The School Improvement Framework provides ACT public schools with a structure for
raising quality, achieving excellence and delivering better schools for better futures. The
framework sets up a dynamic relationship between research and planning that will assist
schools to undertake self-assessment which is context-specific, evidence-informed and
outcomes-focused.
MOE, (2010:26) framework which states that some specific activities that involve a high
degree of participation in a wider school plan development context, which can be applied
in the school improvement programme, include: collecting and analyzing information;
defining priorities and strategic goals; assessing available resources; deciding on and
planning of the school improvement programmes; designing strategies to implement
school improvement programmes and dividing responsibilities among participants;
33
managing school improvement programmes; monitoring progress of the school
improvement programmes; and evaluating the results and impacts, among others.
Excellent schools direct their energies and resources towards the improvement of
learning to maximize achievement and realize the potential of all students. They are
committed to making a difference and doing things better.
School improvement program in Australia has a large extent been due to state education
system initiatives (Marsha, 1988:13). The emergence of a very different, decentralized
system in Victoria in the 1980s warrants special mention. The incoming labor
government introduced series of ministerial papers during 1982-1984 to announce the
creation of school council, a state board of education (Marsha, 1998:14). Moreover, this
authority described that it is evident that other states education system in Australia are
likely to follow the lead given by the act school authority and the Victorian education
ministry in devolving decision making to the local school level. Many different patterns
many emerge during the next decade, but highly likely that parents and students will be
encouraged to be more closely involved in local school decision-making. School
improvement ventures in the future are therefore likely to involve and should involve
parents and community members and students, as well as teachers and related
professional group.
This program by and large has many similarities to the Ethiopian school improvement
program and it seems that the Ethiopian SIP might have been developed from the
Australian one; the teaching learning process; School leadership of management; Safe
and healthy school environment, and Relation among parents, community involvement
domain (MOE, 1999 E.C).The elements and indicators of SIP are interdependent and
complementally to each other, which are directed towards attaining the major goal of
improving student‟s performance.
34
2.14.2. School Improvement in United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, improving the quality of education for All (IQEA)‟is considered
as one of the successful school improvement attempts in the world. The project was
established initially based at Cambridge University. Since then it has operated in over
fifty schools across England and Wales and additionally has incorporate schools in
Iceland, Puerto Rico and South Africa in to the program. The project is currently led by
staff at two Universities in the United Kingdom, Cambridge and northern kingdom. Both
these Universities provide the academic leadership and vision for the program and
represent the focal point for IQEA schools.
The IQEA model of school improvement is based up on for fundamental belief in the
relationship between teacher‟s professional growth and school development. It is the
projects view that schools are more likely to strengthen their ability to provide enhanced
outcomes for all purples when they adopt ways of working that are consistent both with
their own aspiration as school community with the demands of external change. As
research evidence consistently demonstrates that successful schools use external change
agendas for internal purposes. The project believes in harassing the possibility for
internal change through external pressure. It is central promise is that without an equal
focus on the development of capacity, or internal conditions of the school, innovative
work quickly becomes marginalized (MOE, 1998 E.C).
35
the coast effectiveness of clinical staff development, and provide more focused training
of head teachers. The emphasis on individual schools and child –centered learning were
effective. In addition, the new teaching strategies did not lead to lower standards of
student attainment and facilitate student‟s development of non cognitive and social skills
(Harry B., 2000)
Ethiopia has embarked on a new education and training policy which was issued by the
transitional government of Ethiopia (TGE) following the military regime in 1991. The
other program is that the 1994 education and training policy document were formulated
to achieve the economic developmental goals of the country and for this practices the
Ethiopian education and training policy is launched the first Education Sector
Development Program (ESDP-I) in 1997.The objective of ESDP is to improve
educational quality, relevance, efficiency, equity and expand access to education with
special emphasis on primary education in rural and underserved areas, as well as the
promotion of education for girls as a first step to achieve universal primary education by
2015(MOE, 2005 E.C).
36
In its attempt to ensure the quality of education in the country, the government of
Ethiopia has been engaged in formulating and implementing different policies and
programs. One of the programs recently developed and currently under implementation is
the general education quality improvement package (GEQIP) which has the following six
important pillars: teacher development program (TDP), school improvement program
(SIP)|, civic and ethical education, curriculum improvement program (CIP), information
and communication technology (ICT), and management and administration program
(MAP).
Even though there are six different pillars as indicted above, all of the other five pillars
are there to strengthen school improvement program because all of them are inputs for
school improvement program which is reflected by student achievement. The school
improvement program comprises four domains, 12 elements, 29 standards and 150
indicators; all of which are targeting at improving students performance to achieve the
educational goal (MOE, 2007c).
MOE (2010) also points out that access at all levels of the education system increased at a
rapid rate in line with a sharp increase in the number of teachers, schools and institutions.
There were also important improvements in the availability of trained teachers and some
other inputs which are indispensable for a high quality education system, challenges,
however, in order to realize quality and internal efficiency. Hence, the focus of education
polices under ESDP-IV shifts towards priority programs which address these challenges.
37
As to the MOE (2007) document, it was necessary to shift attention to quality concerns in
general and to those inputs and processes which translate more directly into improved
Student learning and which help change the school into a genuine learning environment
in particular. In order to improve the short comings related to quality, MOE launched the
general education quality improvement package (GEQIP) in 2007. Hence, school
improvement program is among the programs designed to improve quality of education
in the country. The SIP being practices in Ethiopia to improve quality of education was
adopted from the Australian school excellence initiatives and it consisted of four domains
and twelve elements (MOE, 2007c).
38
CHAPTER THREE
THE RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
The chapter describes the appropriate research design and suitable research method was
employed for the topic. It also described the sources of data, Instruments and data
collection method, Sample and Sampling techniques, and Method of data analysis.
39
schools. In the study, quantitative data collection of questionnaires carried more weight
than qualitative data collection instruments like interviews, observation, focus group
discussion and document reviews. Accordingly, quantitative data was collected first
followed by qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation.
While qualitative data in a second phase as a follows to answer new questions emerged
from the quantitative results that required the researcher to use sequential design, it is
usually to use qualitative results to help explain the quantitative data results. The qualitative
approach in mixed research methods is a type of research in which the researcher relies
on the views of participants; asks broad, general questions; collects data consisting
largely of words or text from participants; describes and analyses these words and them.
The data collected by qualitative method was triangulated with the quantitative data.
Therefore, interview, FGD, observation and document analysis are qualitative data
gathering tools employed in the study to obtain qualitative information from respondents.
The findings of the study together with the broad information acquired from the
quantitative and qualitative data was used to inform educators at national level, teachers,
school principals, secondary school supervisors, zone education experts, district
education office experts, parents and local community on how to maximize the school
improvement programme implementation in the secondary education sector.
The data source was obtained from primary and secondary. The primary sources of data
are secondary school principals, teachers, vice principals, Schools improvement
committee, secondary schools supervisors, Woreda and Zone education office heads and
PTA members. Whereas the secondary source of data was secondary Schools
improvement documents, data which is prepared for this purpose like ESDP guide line
are considered.
40
3.4. Sampling and Sampling Techniques
3.4.1. Population Sampling
The study of target population was secondary school principals, vice principals,
teachers, supervisors, Woreda education office heads, secondary schools SIC members
and PTA members. In this study the researcher believed that they are tangible and real
source of data on the practices and problems of school improvement program in
Gambella region of Majang zone.
41
Table 1: Population and sampling size of teachers by Secondary schools
No School Name Target population of Sampled teachers
teachers
M F T M F T
1 Jain 43 5 48 16 2 18
2 Tenshu metti 72 12 84 32 3 30
3 Kumi 19 4 23 6 2 10
4 Gelasha 14 3 17 6 1 9
Different data collecting instrument were employed in this study to gather reliable and
appropriate information from respondent. Therefore the study mainly employed
Questionnaires, Interview, observation list; focusing group discussion and document
analysis data collection are used
42
in the respondents. Then, the questionnaire consists two parts, the respondents‟ personal
characteristics and items relevant the School Improvement Program. This was prepared in
English Language.
Interviews; Gubrium and Holstein (2001) also stated that interview is useful
instrument to generate often important and crucial information. It is qualitative data
collection tool from the selected sampled schools. According to Best, J.W., and Kahan,
J.V. (2003) The reason for using interview was that they could permit the exploration of
issues, which might be too complex to investigate through questionnaires and also
justified as it allows better chance to explain more explicitly what he/she knows on the
issue. This method of data gathering were preparing for school principals, Woreda and
Zone Education office head and secondary school supervisors , get reliable information
about the SIP. The question is prepared in English language.
43
Document Review; Is used to see the availability of the entire essential General
Education Quality Improvement Package documents for instance, policy guidelines,
handbooks, school grants guideline and others.
The data which was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observation and
focus group discussions was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. With regards
to questionnaire data, it was presented in tables. The respondents were mainly grouped
into the following categories teachers, principals, secondary school supervisors, vice
principals. The quantitative data which was collected through questionnaires from
principals, teachers, supervisors and vice principals are analyzed and interpreted using
statistical software SPSS table in terms of data measure of descriptive spastics such as
frequency percentage, mean and standard deviation and to check the differences between
the response of respondents about the practices and problems of SIP to use ANOVA test.
The purpose of ANOVA is to test for multiple group comparisons between respondents
on the status of practices and problems of school improvement programme. Beside this,
the qualitative data collected through interview, open -ended questions, observation and
document analysis was also analysis technique for triangulation and justification purpose
by narrated under quantitative data (items) related to it.
44
3.7. Validity
Validity means checking the accuracy of the findings by employing different procedures,
that is, the credibility and trustworthiness of the data would be checked to address
validity (Bailey, 2007:180). Cohen et al. (2005:105) and Best and Kahn (2005:208),
validity presupposes that an instrument measures what it is supposed to measure and that
validity supports the researcher to decide on the scale measuring what it is meant to
measure. To assess the validity of the school improvement programme, the validity of the
instrument was analysed to get the difference between the performance gap scores and
participants‟ ratings on the measures by using a 5 point Likert scale which ranges
between very high, high, medium, low and very low.
3.8. Reliability
Reliability refers to the “extent to which a measure, procedure or instrument provides the
same results on repeated trials.” reliability as the extent to which the instrument measures
whatever it is measuring consistently (Best and Kahan 2005). From 48closs ended and 9
open ended items of the questionnaire, the collected data accuracy was checked by
Cronbach‟s alpha coefficient statistically calculated was 0.92. Ethical issues were
addressed during data collection and writing of this thesis and these are discussed below.
45
3.9. Ethical Consideration
46
CHAPTER FOUR
As indicated in the previous chapters, the objective of the study was to assess the
Practices and problems of school improvement program in secondary schools of
Gambella region Majange zone. Therefore, this chapter deals with Presentation Analysis
and Interpretation of the data obtained from the sample schools by using the data
gathering tools like questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion and document
observation review to search for appropriate solutions to the basic questions of the study.
The data collected through closed- ended questions from school principals, supervisors,
teachers and Woreda education office experts were presented in tables and analyzed
using mean, standard deviation score and ANOVA test. The qualitative data obtained
through interview and observation was presented and analyzed in descriptive form
together with the quantitative analyses of related questionnaire items. This section of the
research report is categorized in to two major parts. The first part presents the
characteristics of respondents and the second part deals with the analysis and
interpretation of the school improvement program (SIP) based on the data collected.
Secondary schools principals, supervisors, teachers and vice principals were involved in
filing the questionnaire. Besides, school principals, supervisors, woreda education office
head and zone education office heads are participated in providing response for the
interview and SIC members and PTA members involved in focusing group discussion. A
total of 113 respondents were involved in the study and used for analysis.
47
Table.2. Characteristics of respondents by Sex and Age
N % N % N % N % N % N % N % N %
As indicated in table 1. All the school principals, supervisors, vice principals, WEOH and
ZEOH are male. There is domination male teachers in sampled schools; it is advisable to
work on issue to bring them to act as principals, supervisors, vice principals and office
head. 69 (87.3%) and 10(12.7) of teachers are male and female. it shows numbers of
female teachers are encouraging by government. This indicated that the majority of
teachers in Majang zone are male. And 14(70%) and 6(30%) of School improvement
committee 8(66.6%) and 4(33.4%) of PTA members are male and female it indicate that
moderate level respectively.
Regarding to age distribution, 3(75%) school principals were in the age category of 31-
40years but the rest principal were between 41-50years. These shows as the majority of
school principals are young to perform the given task. One school supervisor was 31-40
years while the other supervisors between 41-50 years. 29(41.6%), 33(48.3%), 5(7.4%)
and 1(1.5%) of teachers were in between 18-30, 31-40, 41-50 and 51-60 years
respectively. it indicated that the majority of sampled schools teachers was young. Vice
principals age category were 3(75%) in between 31-40 while the other was in 41-50
years. WEOH were between 31-40 and 41-50 respectively. SIC age distribution was
48
8(40%) were below 18 years, 8(40%) and 4(20%) were in between 18-30 and 31-40 years
respectively. Therefore, the respondents are mature to answer the question properly while
PTA members were 5(41.6%) and 6(58.4%) were in between 31-40 and 41-50
respectively.
MA
3 75 2 100 - - - - - - - 5 6.3
BA/BSC/
1 25 - - 4 100 51 75 - - - - 56 70.9
Qualifi BED
cation Diploma
- - - 7 25 2 1 10 12.6
Students
8 10.1
Grad 9-12
49
the study we conclude that minimum requirement to be secondary school principal,
supervisor and vice principals is almost satisfactory. While minimum requirement to be
second cycle secondary school teacher is not satisfactory. 2(100%) of WEOH were
diploma and the field of specialization is not directly related to their responsibility. It
shows as low understanding about SIP and focus on political work. On the other hand
7(35%) and 5(25%) of SIC members of teachers were first degree and diploma and
8(40%) of SIC members of students were grade 9th-12th. This indicates that relatively all
grade level of students were taken as sample from grade 9-12th. And 4(41.6%) of PTA
members were in grade 9-10th while the rest 8(58.4%) were below grade 9th.
<5 - - - - - - 8 11.8 1 50 - -
Working
6-10 3 75 1 50 4 100 52 76.5 1 50 1 100
Experienc 11-15 1 25 1 50 - 6 8.8 - - - -
es
16-20 - - - - - - 2 2.9 - - - --
21-25 - - - - - - - - - - -
>26 - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total 4 100 2 100 4 100 68 100 2 100 1 100
50
average years of teaching experience. 1(50%) of WEOH were less than 5years services
without taking any kind of educational leadership and 1(50%) were in between 6-10
years experiences without any kind of knowledge to lead education sectors.1(100%) of
zone office head were in the category of 6-10years services. It indicated that for the
successful of educational sectors, educational leader had adequate work experience with
related educational background to enhance capacity. With this in mind, as it can be seen
in table 4.2, educational office head working from zone bureau and Woreda level were
less than those of sit worker by service. 4(33.3%) of SIC members of teachers were less
than 5years and 8(66.7%) of SIC members of teachers were in between 6-10years
services. then majority of teachers members were in services category to perform the
program.
51
Table.5. Respondents views on Collaborative planning of SIP
No Items Respondents Ove P
r all val
P Su VP T
X ue
X SD X SD X SD X SD
1 The preparation of school 4 4 3.75 0.5 3.41 0.9 3.79 0.5
strategic l improvement plan
The participation of
2 teachers, students and 2.5 0.6 2.5 0.7 2.75 0.5 2.18 0.6 2.48 0.2
parents in developing
school improvement
plan
the encouragement of
3 Community to be 2.5 0.6 2.5 0.7 2.25 0.5 2.25 0.6 2.43 0.8
involved in the
planning of SIP
Key; 5=very high, 4=high=3 =medium, 2= low and 1 very low. X= mean, SD=standard
deviation, P-value at α=0.05 level and degree of freedom=103, Scales: - ≤ 1.49 = very
low, 1.5 – 2.49 = low 2.5 – 3.49 = medium, 3.5 –4.49 = high, ≥ 4.5 = very high.
In item 1, the school principals, supervisors and vice principals respondents replied that,
school strategic improvement plan was good with mean value of 4, 4 and 3.75, SD= 0.5
respectively. Whereas teachers respondents indicate strategic improvement plan in the
school was moderate with mean value of 3.41, SD= 0.9. The average mean values of
3.79, indicating that strategic school improvement plan were good. Additionally data
obtained from interview question and document review shows schools have well strategic
school improvement plan; this is due to school principals have the commitment about the
strategic plan. The significance level (p=0.46) is greater than 0.05, this means there is no
difference between the views of teachers, principals, vice principals and supervisors with
the given issue. Therefore, we conclude that school encouraged to prepared strategic
improvement plan.
Table 5 of item 2, the extent to which teachers, students and PTA members participated
in developing SIP plan. Respondents of principals, supervisors and vice principals was
replied moderate with the mean value of 2.5, SD =0.5, 2.5, SD =0.7 and 2.75, SD =0.5
and teachers with mean value of 2.18, SD =0.6 shows low teachers students and PTA
52
members in the participation of developing SIP plan. Furthermore the data gathered
through FGD from PTA and SIC indicating that, relatively one school (Tenshu Metti
secondary school) PTA members were participated in school planning, the rest of the
sampled schools were not encouraged teachers and students in school improvement plan.
This is due to school principals have not understood the aims and the value of school
community participation in implementation of SI plan. The overall mean value of 2.48. It
indicates the majority of respondents agree low participation of teachers, student and
PTA members with the given issue. This data clearly shows that, those who participated
in the planning developed the sense of accountability and ownership and it is crucial for
all learning school community to be involved in the issues of planning since
implementation of the program is not only the issues of those few planners but also the
issue of entire learning community and all stakeholders. The significance level (p= 0.2) is
greater than 0.05, it means there is no difference between the views of principals,
teachers, supervisors and vice principals with the participation of teachers and students in
the improvement plan were unsatisfactory.
The extent to which community encouraged to be involved in the planning of SIP. The
respondents of principals, supervisors, vice principals and teachers replied that medium
community encouragement in SIP planning with mean value of =2.5, SD =0.5, 2.5, SD
=0.7, 2.5, SD =0.5 and 2.5, SD =0.6. Additionally data obtained from interview question
from principal‟s shows as community involvement has low in school planning process.
During planning school leaders must assign the key responsible planner boobies for the
practices. As school principals replied in the interview - In fact there is community
participation in giving positive ideas for better performance of schools and also support
in labor activities to some extent. However, participation through the
contribution/extraction/ of money and material was low though it differs from school to
school.
MOE, (2010:26) framework which states that some specific activities that involve a high
degree of participation in a wider school plan development context, which can be applied
in the school improvement programme, include: collecting and analyzing information;
defining priorities and strategic goals; assessing available resources; deciding on and
53
planning of the school improvement programmes; designing strategies to implement
school improvement programmes and dividing responsibilities among participants;
managing school improvement programmes; monitoring progress of the school
improvement programmes; and evaluating the results and impacts, among others. The
averages mean value of 2.43, indicating majority respondents were low agreement of
with the given issue. This is due to the school principals were not give attention for
community involvement .The significance level (p= 0.8) is greater than 0.05, it means
there is difference between the views of respondents the encouragement of community in
the school planning has not actively involved. Therefore it concludes that low community
encouragement in developing Sip planning. Then the school principals and stakeholders‟
has expected to responsible for encourage and mobilize in the school improvement
planning.
54
understanding on SIP implementation shows that the expected result are not achieved.
The averages mean value 2.53 indicating the majority of the respondents were medium
agreement with the given issue. As interview result reveals that secondary school
supervisors, and school principals give capacity building training on SIP planning to
school community once a year; but this is not enough to implement SIP. The training
given was especially on GEQIP which includes SIP. Mostly the schools directors
explained that the training given was not continuous; the attention given by concerned
bodies to these issues is not as should have been; they only left for the schools. From this
one can deduce that training given in sample schools were at low level. Hence, still it
needs more consideration for more success of SIP implementation.
55
and prioritize problem accordingly. The averages mean value of 3.11, indicating medium
of the majority respondents with the given issue. This data might indicate that conducting
self -evaluation and prioritizing problems were not considered as the main activities to be
accomplished among the leaders of the schools.
Similarly, an interview held with secondary school principals and supervisors depicted
that schools did not carry out self-evaluation. Only school directors prepare and present
for approval by school committee at the beginning of the years. Especially secondary
school supervisors stressed that without conducting self-evaluation and identifying
specific problems areas SIP implementing is difficult. So it can be deduced that the plan
was not put in to action. Therefore, from this no school self-evaluation during preparation
of strategic plan in sample schools. Hence, it is clear that inadequate self-evaluation in
SIP planning was taken as one of the major constraints that affects implementation of
SIP. Bry (2012:5) argues that a school can learn by continually planning its development.
They define school development planning as the process of planning the improvement
and then implementing the plans over a specified period that encompasses the
performance indicators to make it easy for the progress to be monitored.
56
4.3.1. Teaching Learning Domain
5 4 3 2 1
The extent to P n 1 1 2 - -
which school % 25 25 50 3.75 0.9
1 practices
SU n 2 3.0 0.0
continues 3.37 0.77
% 100
assessment
V.P n 2 2 3.5 0.5
% 50 50
T n 7 21 26 10 4 3.25 1.0
% 10.3 30.9 38.2 14.7 5.9
The extent to P n 2 2 3.5 0.5
2 which Class work % 50 50 8
and home work 3.46 0.99
Su n 1 1 3.5 0.7
are regularly
given by teacher % 50 50
to the students V.P n 2 2 3.5 0.5
% 50 50
T n 9 24 21 10 4 3.35 1.0
% 13.2 35.3 30.9 14.7 5.9
Availability of P n 1 3 2.25 0.5
3 laboratory with % 25 75
sufficient Su n 2 2. 0.0 2 0.0
equipment and % 100
adequate chemic VP n 4 2.0 0.0
% 100
T n 3 10 23 32 1.72 0.8
%
4.4 14.7 33.8 47.1
Library services is P n 2 2 2.5 0.5
available to the % 50 50 77
4 students with Su n 2 2.0 0.0
sufficient book 2.35 0.93
% 100
VP n 2 2 2.5 0.5
% 50 50 8
T n 4 10 14 29 11 2.5 1.1
% 5.9 14.7 20.6 42.6 16.2 1
Availability of P n 4 2.0 0.0
pedagogical % 100
5 center and enough Su 1 1 2.5 0.7 2.19 0.74
teaching aid
50 50
57
No Items Respo Frequency and percentage X SD Over P
ndent all X value
5 4 3 2 1
VP n 1 3 2.25 0.5
% 25 75
T n 3 10 40 15 2.01 0.7
% 4.4 14.7 58.8 22.1
Student centered P n 2 2 3.5 0.5
teaching method % 50 50
6 is practice in the 3.52 0.90
Su n 1 1 3.5 0.7
school
% 50 50
VP n 2 2 3.5 0.5
% 50 50
T n 5 23 28 10 2 3.28 0.9
% 7.6 33.8 41.2 14.7 2.9
The extent to P n 2 2 3.5 0.5
7 which Tutorial % 50 50
support is given to Su n 2 3.0 0.0 3.18 0.29
the lower learner
% 100
and female
students by V.P n 2 2 3.5 0.5
teacher % 50 50
T n 5 11 20 26 6 2.75 1.0
% 7.6 16. 29.4 38.2 8.8
As observed in item 1of table 7, the respondents were asked to indicate their agreement
on the extent to which school practices continues assessment. 1(25%)of principal and
7(10.3%) of teachers respondents school practices of continues assessment were very
high , while 2(50%)of school principals and 2(100%) of supervisors, 2(50%) of vice
principals and 26(38.2%) of teachers respondents school practices continues assessment
were medium, . 2(50%) of vice principals, 1(25%0 of principal and 21(30.9%) of
teachers respondents were high continues assessment has practices and In other hand
10(13.2%) and 4 (5.9%) of teachers low and very low school practices continues
assessment respectively. The rating of principals with (X =3.75, SD =0.96) and vice
principals with the (X =3.5, SD =0.58) shows that of continues assessment being
implemented and teachers (X =3.25, SD =1.02) and supervisors with (X =3) were
practices of continues assessment were medium. The average mean X =3.37 it indicate
that the schools practices medium continues assessment. The significance level (p=0.77)
58
is greater than 0.05, it show no significance difference between the views of teachers,
principals, vice principals and supervisors regarding to school practices continues
assessment were unsatisfactory. MOE (ESDP IV, 2010) outlined that teachers have to
achieve measurable improvements in student results and a range of assessment methods
must be used in each grade to assess student learning.
As it is revealed in item 2 of table 7, respondents were asked the extent to which class
work and home work are regularly given by teacher to the students. 2(50%) of school
principals, 1(50%) of supervisors , 2(50%) of vice principals and 24(35.3%) of teachers
respondents high class work and home work are regularly given by the teachers to the
students and 2(50%) of principals,1(50%) of supervisors, 2(50%) of vice principals and
21(30.9%) of teachers respondents medium class work and home work are regularly
given by teachers to the students ,while 9(13.2%) ,10(14.7%) and 4(5.9%) of teachers
respondents that class work and home work are regularly given by teacher to the students
were very high, low and very low respectively. For item 3 they have rating moderate of
principals, supervisor and vice principals replied (X=3.5, SD=0.58), (X=3.5, SD= 0.70),
(X=3.5, SD=0.58) respectively replied that teachers giving class and home work were
high and teachers with (X=3.35, SD 1.029) were medium class and home work are given
by teachers to the students. The average mean value X =3.46, it shows that the majority
of respondents medium agreement with in the given issue .then, the significance level (p=
0.99) is greater than 0.05, it is there is no difference between the views of teachers,
supervisors, vice principals and principals on with regarding of class and home work
given by teachers to students were unsatisfactory.
59
with (X 2.25, SD =0.50), supervisors with (X =2), vice principals the (X =2) and
teachers with the (X =1.75, SD =0.86) shows that the majority respondents were low
availability of laboratory with sufficient equipment. The average mean value X = 2, it
indicating that there is low availability of laboratory with sufficient equipment and
adequate chemicals. . In addition to this data obtained through interview question from
principals and supervisors as well as observation shows as there was no laboratory
available in the sampled school, they had no equipments and chemicals in the selected
school.. Availability of facilities such as teaching material equipment and laboratory
apparatus in the school have an acceleration or deadening influence in the student
learning that in turn affect the student achievement (Bishop, 1995).Therefore we
conclude that most the sample schools had the availability of laboratory with sufficient
equipment and adequate chemicals and it influenced on the student result. They are
expected to initiate students to have active roles in laboratory, give class work, home
work, individual or group project work to their students and use participatory teaching
methods. The significance level (p=0.41) is greater than 0.05, this indicate that there is
no significance difference between the views of principals, vice principals, supervisors
and teachers with the given issue. Therefore, we conclude that there is no laboratory
equipment and chemicals then it affect the implementation of SIP.
As it has indicated in table 7 of item 4 are about Library services is available to the
students with sufficient book. 2(50%) of principals, 2(50%) of vice principals and
14(20.6%) of teachers respondents were medium library services and sufficient book,
3(75%) of principals, 2(100%) of supervisors, 2(50%) of vice principals and 29(42.6%0
of teachers respondents low library services to the students with sufficient books, only
4(5.9%), 10(14.7%) and 11(16.2%) of teachers respondents library services with
sufficient book were very high, high and very low respectively. The rating of principals
with (X =2.5, SD =0.57), vice principals (X =2.5, SD =0.58) and teachers with (X =2.5,
SD =1.11) medium agreements of majority respondents about the given issue. But
supervisors with the (X =2) availability of library service were low. The average mean
value X =2.35, it indicate that the majority respondents were low library service and
adequate books. Additionally data gathered through interview question from schools
principals and supervisors, observation check list, FGD with school improvement
60
committee and open ended question shows as there was shortage of library service and
sufficient books. Even though in the selected subjects (support and physical education)
was not text books in the sampled schools. The rest text book like Amharic, physics and
civic and ethical education were not enough. This is due to lack of access from woreda
book store. The significance level (P=0.93) is greater than 0.05, this indicate there is no
difference between the views of principals, supervisors, vice principals and teachers in
the regard of library service with students sufficient books were unsatisfactory to achieve
school improvement program.
As shown in item 7 of table 7, the respondents were asked, the extent to which Tutorial
support is given to the lower learner and female students by teacher. 2(50%) of
principals, 2(50%) of vice principals and 11(16.2%) of teachers respondents replied that,
high tutorial support for lower learner and female students, 2(100%) of supervisors,
2(50%0 of principals, 2950%) of vice principals and 20(29.4%) of teachers respondents
medium were tutorial support to the lower learner and female students, while 5(7.4%),
26(38.2%) and 6(8.8%) of teachers replied tutorial support for the lower learner and
female students very high, low and very low respectively. Accordingly, the rating of
principals and vice principals (X=3.5, SD =0.58), (X =3.5, SD =0.58) and have high
tutorial support is given to female and lower learner respectively and supervisors with the
(X =3.0) teachers with (X =2.75, SD=1.07) replied medium tutorial support of female and
62
lower learner students. The average mean value X =3.18, it indicated that the majority of
respondents medium agreement about the given issue. The significance level (p=0.29) is
greater than 0.05, this indicate there is no difference between the views of principals,
teachers, vice principals and supervisors to the regarding issue. Therefore the score
value, it can be conclude that the teacher supportive technique for lower learner and
female students are motivating at these schools were not much enough
Safety and suitable environments is makes sense that students would do better when they
learn in positive environment. Safety and conducive-learning environment helps school
leaders, teachers and students to feel secured and contributed to their maximum potential
for teaching and learning process.
5 4 3 2 1
T n 8 11 26 22 1 3.04 1.14
%
11.8 16.2 38.2 32.4 1.1
School environment is P n 1 3 3.25 0.50
safety, suitable and % 25 75
2 Attractive for the
support student Su n 1 1 3.5 0.707
% 3.06 0.4
50 50
VP n 2 2 2.5 0.57
% 50 50
T n 1 17 32 17 1 3 0.8
% 1.5 25 47.1 25 1.5
The school has enough P n 2 2 2.5 0.57
3 class room with ,safety % 50 50
and suitable for the
students Su n 1 1 2.5 0.70 3.04 0.39
%
50 50
V.P n 2 2 2.5 0.57
% 50 50
T n 13 37 17 1 2.91 0.70
% 19.1 54.4 25 1.5
63
No Items Respond Frequency and percentage X S.D Overall P valu
ents lX
5 4 3 2 1
P n 2 2 2.5 0.57
%
5 Adequate
50 50
teachinglearning 2.4 0.53
Su n 1 1 2.5 0.70
materials(e.g.text %
book, reference book, 50 50
teacher guiding book VP n 1 3 2.5 0.57
% 25 75
T n 1 14 46 7 2.13 0.59
% 1.5 20.6 67.6 10.3
64
of toilet room is medium. The average mean value = 2.63, it shows that medium access of
toilet for male and female separately. The significance level (p= 0.58) is greater than
0.05, this indicated that there is no significance difference between the position of
principals, supervisors, vice principals and teachers in regarding on the issue. It is
possible to conclude that in the sample school has low access of student toilet room
separately for male and female.
Item 2 of table 8 the respondents were asked to school environment is safety, suitable and
support for students. 1(25%) and 3(75%) of principals and 1(50%) and 1(50%) of
supervisors respondents the existence of safety and suitable school environment were
high and medium for the students, 2(50%) and 2(50%) of vice principals medium and
low the safety and suitability of school environment for the students, while
1(1.5%),17(25%) , 32(47.1%) and 17(25%) of teachers respondents the safety and
suitability of learning environment is very high, high, medium and low respectively. Only
1(1.5%) of teachers very low of school safety and suitability for the student. The rating
has expressed Principals with (X =3.25, SD =0.50), vice principals with (X=2.5, SD
=0.577) and teachers agreement with (X =3.0, SD =0.792) were medium school safety
and suitability for teaching learning process and supervisors with (X =3.5, SD 0.707)
indicate high school safety and suitability. The average mean value =3.06 it indicate that
medium agreement of respondents with the issue. The significance level of the groups
(p= 0.4) is greater than 0.05, there is no significance difference between the position of
respondents. Therefore we conclude that there is safety and suitable school environment
for the students. The data gathered through observation of the sampled school 75% of the
school has toilet but 50% of the sampled school has toilet for female and male separately.
The other 2(50%) has together with male and female toilet in the school.MOE, (2006)
states school environment consists of students focus, student‟s empowerment and
students support and decisive domain for the implementation of school improvement
program.
65
2(50%) of vice principals replied low student learning class room, 13(19.1%), 37(54.4)
and 17(25%) of teachers respondents student learning class room were high, medium and
low respectively. while 1(1.5%) of teacher very low of student learning class room in the
sampled schools. The rating agreement of principals (X =3.25, SD0.50), teachers with (X
=2.91, SD =0.577) and vice principals with (X =2.5, SD =0.57) replied that medium
student learning class room, while supervisors (X =3.5, SD= 0.50) shows high learning
class room. The average mean value X=3.04, it shows majority of the respondents
medium attitudes with the given issue. In addition, the observation check list data
collection tools, the rural secondary school like Gelash and Kumi secondary school has
enough students learning class room but it is not attractive for teaching and learning.
While the rest two schools (Jaine and Tenshu metti secondary and preparatory school) the
class room is overcrowded. The significance level (p =0.39) is greater than 0.05, it shows
there is no significance difference between the opinions of principals, teachers,
supervisors and vice principals in regarding to learning class room. This indicates that in
the sampled school student leaning class room unsatisfactory for the outcome
66
supervisors and vice principals. Therefore, we conclude that the relationship between
students, teachers and principals were not satisfactory.
With regarding to table 8 of item5, the respondents were asked teaching learning
materials ( text book, reference book, teacher guiding book is adequate. 2(50%) of
principals,1(50%) of supervisor,1(25%) of vice principals and 14(20.6%) of teachers
respondents respond medium adequacy of teaching learning materials(text book,
reference and teacher guidance book),2(50%) of principals,1(50%) of supervisors,
3(75%) of vice principals and 46(67.6%) of teachers replied low adequate of teaching
learning materials (reference, text, and teacher guidance book) in the sampled schools,
while 7(10.3%) of teachers responds very low teaching learning materials. Only 1(1.5%)
of teacher respond the adequate of teaching learning materials like text book, teacher
guidance and reference book were high. principals with (X =2.5, SD =0.577), supervisors
with(X =2.5, SD =0.707) and vice principals with the (X =2.5, SD =0.577) it indicates
that in adequate teaching learning materials (e.g. text book, reference book and teacher
guiding book) were medium whereas teachers with the (X =2.13, SD =0.596) shows the
teaching learning materials were low. The average mean value X =2.4 it shows that most
of the respondents were low agreement with the given issue. Data gathered through
observation check list, there is lack of student text book and teacher guiding books in the
sampled schools. Even in the selecting subject there is no any text book (sport and
physical education), and other (ICT, English and Amharic text book) were insufficient of
access. The significance level (p = 0.53) is greater than 0.05, this means there is no
significance difference between the views of teachers, principals, vice principals and
supervisors in the regarding of lack of adequate teaching learning material (text book,
reference book and teacher guiding books).
In item 6 of table 8, only 1(1.5%) and 3(4.4%) of teachers respondents respond the
availability of pure water in the school were very high and high respectively, while
1(25%) of principals, 1(50%) of supervisors, 2(50%) of vice principals and 14(20.6%) of
teachers respondents replied the availability of pure water were medium, on the other
hand, 3(75%) of principals,1(50%) of supervisors, 2(50%) of vice principals and 39(57.4)
of teachers respondents respond low availability of pure water supply in the school
67
compound, even 11(16.2%) of teachers responded the availability of pure water supply
were very low in the sampled schools. The agreement of principals with (X =2.25, SD
=0.50), vice principals with (X =2.25, SD =0.50) and teachers expressed with (X= 2.18,
SD =0.809), there is low availability of pure water supply and cluster supervisors with(X
=2.5, SD =0.707) medium availability of pure water supply. Average mean value X
=2.29 indicating the majority of respondents low agreement with the issue. Furthermore
the information obtained through observation except one secondary school (Jain
secondary school) the rest schools were not water supply. From this we conclude that
lack of pure water supply were impacts of SIP. The significance level (p=0.81) is greater
than 0.05.it indicated that there is no significance difference between the position of
principals, supervisor, vice principals and teachers on the issue of pure water supply in
the selected schools. it is possible to conclude that insufficient of pure water in the school
compounds
68
Community P n 1 2 1 3 0.81
3 involved in % 25 50 25
school 2.6 0.73
improvement Su n 1 1 2.5 0.70
program %
50 50
planning and its VP n 2 2 2.5 0.57
practices % 50 50
T n 9 24 27 8 2.5 0.87
% 13.2 35.3 39.7 11.8
The school P n 2 2 2.5 0.81
4 leader conduct % 50 50
evaluation and Su n 1 1 2.5 0.70 2.41 0.63
meeting with % 50 50
PTA members
VP n 2 2 2.5 0.81
% 75 25
T n 3 26 17 22 2.15 0.93
%
4.4 38.2 25 32.4
Parents monitor P n 1 3 2.25 0.50
and % 25 75
5 visittheteaching Su n 1 1 2.5 0.70
learning % 2.25 0.66
activityof the 50 50
school and their VP n 1 3 2.5 0.57
students % 25 75
T n 3 9 41 14 2.01 0.72
% 4.4 13.2 60.3 20.6
PTA members is P n 1 3 2.25 0.50
actively % 25 75
6 participate in
school Su n 2 2.0 0.0 2.22 0.95
management % 100
VP n 1 3 2.25 0.50
% 50 50
T n 8 19 32 9 2.38 0.864
% 11.8 27.9 47.1 13.2
69
The average mean value X= 2.75 shows that the majority of respondents medium
agreement with the given issue. Depending on the respondents view the communication
of teacher on the result of student with parents were not enough it is encouraged. The
significance level (p =0.9) is greater than 0.05, it indicated that there is no significance
difference between the respondent view on the issue.
As shown in table 9 of item 3, respondents were asked the involvement of parents in the
school improvement program planning and its practices. 1(25%) of teacher and 9(13.2%)
of teachers respond high involvement of parents in the school improvement program
planning, 2(50%) of principals, 1(50%) of supervisor, 2(50%) of vice principals and
24(35.3%) of teachers respondents the involvement of parent in the improvement
program planning were medium,1(25%) of principal, 1(50%) 0f supervisor, 2(50%) of
vice principals and 27(39.7) of teachers replied low involvement of parents in the school
improvement program planning and their practices, while only 8(11.8%) of teachers
respond the involvement of parents in school improvement planning were very low. The
rating agreement of principals with(X =3, SD =0.86), supervisors with (X =2.5, SD
=0.70), vice principals with(X =2.5, SD =0.57) and teachers with(X =2.5, SD =0.87)
70
were medium that parents involved in school improvement program planning. The
average mean value X =2.6, it show the neutrality of the majority of the respondents with
the issue. The significance level (P = 0.73) is greater than 0.05, it indicate that there is no
significance difference between the respondents opinion on the issue. Therefore, possible
to conclude that, parents involved in school improvement program planning were
unsatisfactory.
In item number 5 of table 9, respondents were asked parents monitor and visit the
teaching learning activity of the school and their students. 1(25) of principal, 1(50%) of
supervisor, (25%) of vice principals and 9(13.2%) of teachers respondents respond
medium monitoring and visit the teaching learning activity, 3(75%) of principals, 1(50%)
of supervisor, 3(75%) of vice principals and 41(60.3) of teachers respondents low parents
monitoring and visit the teaching learning activity, while 3(4.4%) and 14(20.6%) of
teachers respond very high and high respectively parents monitor and visit of teaching
learning activity parents. The rating with principals (X =2.25, SD =0.50), vice principals
with (X =2.25, SD=0.50) and teachers (X =2.01, SD =0.73) replied low parents monitor
and visit the teaching learning activity and also supervisors with(X= 2.5, SD =0.71)
71
parents visit and monitor of school activity were medium. The average mean value X
=2.25, indicating majority of respondents low agreement with the issue. In addition to the
information gathered from interview, FGD of PTA members, and open ended question
shows that the parents were not monitor and visit the teaching learning activity regularly
bases just visit in only once a year. So we conclude that parents have not visit and
monitor the teaching learning activity. Then, the significance level (p= 0.66) is greater
than 0.05, it indicate that there is no difference between the respondents view with the
issue.
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Table 10: Respondents views on leadership and management domain
Respo Frequency and percentage X S.D Over P
No Items ndents all value
5 4 3 2 1
73
School has P n 2 2 2.5 0.57
effective % 50 50
6 communication Su n 2 2.0 0.0
about school % 100
improvement 2.43 0.72
with teachers and VP n 3 1 2.75 0.50
students % 75 25
T n 6 26 31 5 2.49 0.76
% 8.8 38.2 45.6 7.4
P n 1 3 2.5 0.50
School have % 25 75
7 adequate skilled Su n 1 1 2.5 0.70
man powers to % 2.44 0.75
practices SIP 50 50
plan VP n 1 3 2.25 0.50
% 25 75
T n 3 35 25 5 2.53 0.70
% 4.4 51.5 36.8 7.4
School principals P n 2 2 3.75 0.81
have acquired % 50 50
adequate 3.61 0.56
8 educational Su n 1 1 3.5 0.70
management % 50 50
skill
VP n 2 2 3.75 0.81
% 50 50
T n 1 17 33 17 3.38 0.57
%
1.5 25 48 25
74
=2.81, SD =0.92) replied that school officials and managers have acquire medium
educational capacity to implement SIP. The average mean value X =3.26, it show of the
majority of respondents medium agreement with the given issue. The data gathered from
interview question, in the sampled school leader‟s school managers is not acquired
educational management capacity. The significance level (p =0.67) is greater than 0.05, it
indicate that there is no difference between the respondents view on the given issue.
Therefore it is possible to conclude that, the school manager and officials acquire
educational management capacity to implement SIP were unsatisfactory.
As shown in table 8 of item 3, weather school has vision, mission and objective to
improve the students learning. 3(75%) of principal, 3(75%) of vice principals, 1(50%)
supervisor and 19(27.9%) of teachers respondents high vision, mission and objective of
75
the schools, 1(50%) of principals, 1(50%) of supervisors,1(25%) of vice principals and
32(47.1%) of teachers respondents the vision, mission and objective of school to
improving student learning were medium, 9(13.2%) and 8(11.8%) of teachers
respondents the vision, mission and objective of school to improve the student learning
very high and low respectively. the rating principals with (X =3.75, SD =0.82) and vice
principals (X=3.75, SD =0.50) the school have high mission, vision and objective to
improve students‟ learning and supervisors with (X =3.5, SD 0.70) and teachers with (X
=3.47, SD =08.9) replied school has medium vision, mission and objective. vision is
increasingly regarded as an essential component of effective leadership (Bush (2008:5).
This means the school understudy were practices the vision, mission and objective to
improve student learning. The average mean value X = 3.6 shows that the schools
understand the implement the vision, mission and objectives to improve the student
learning. The significance level (p =0.45) is greater than 0.05, this shows that there is no
significance difference between the views of principals, supervisors, vice principals and
teachers in regarding to the vision, mission and objective to improve student learning.
As revealed in item 4 of table 10, respondents were asked school mobilize and support
teachers to practice school improvement program. 2(50%) of principals, 1(50%) of
supervisor, 3(75%) of vice principals and 27(39.7) of teachers respondents medium
support and mobilize of school to implement SIP, 2(50%) of principals, 1(50%) of
supervisor, 1(25%) of vice principals and 34(50%) of teachers respondents school
mobilize and support were low to practices SIP, only 5(7.4%) and 2(2.9%) of teachers
respondents school support and mobilize teachers were very high and high respectively.
The rating of principals with (X =2.5, SD =0.57), supervisors with (X =2.5, SD =0.70),
vice principals with (X =2.75, SD =0.50) and teachers with (X =2.81, SD 0.68) were
medium mobilization and supporting of teachers in the school to practices SIP. The
overall mean value X =2.64, it shows neutrality of majority of respondents within the
issue. The significance level (p=0) is less than 0.05, it indicate there is significance
difference between principals, supervisors, vice principals and teachers with the
regarding of school mobilize and support teachers in the practices of SIP. Additionally,
data obtain from interviewed question of principals and supervisors shows as weak
mobilization and supporting of teachers to implement SIP. This is due to the lack of
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providing information and commitment between school leader and teachers to practices
SIP. From this it concludes that schools mobilize and support teachers for the practices of
SIP were unsatisfactory.
Concerning to table 10 of item 6, respondents were asked whether school has effective
communication about school improvement program with teachers and students. 2(50%)
of principals, 3(75%) of vice principals and 26(38.2%) of teachers respondents the school
has medium communication with teachers and students about SIP, again 2(50%) of
principals, 2(100%) of supervisors, 1(25%) of vice principals and 31(45.6) of teachers
respondents school has low communication with teachers and students about SIP, the
other 6(8.8%) and 5(7.4%) of teachers respondents the communication of school with
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teachers and students about the SIP were very high and very low respectively. The rating
of supervisors with (X =2) and teachers with (X =2.49, SD =0.72) replied that the
communication of schools with teachers and students has low for the effectiveness of SIP
in the sampled schools while principals with(X =2.5, 0.57) and vice principals with
(X=2.75, SD0.50) replied medium communication of the school with teachers and
students about SIP. The average mean value X = 2.43, it indicate low agreement of the
majority of the respondents with the given issue. Additionally information obtained from
supervisors and principals shows as there is poor communication with teachers and
students. This is due to the over engagement of school leadership in the routine work of
the schools. According to Day, Harris, & Hadfield, (2001:53) stipulate that good leaders
are informed by and communicate a clear set of personal and educational values which
represent their moral purposes for the school. The significance level (p =0.72) is greater
than 0.05, it indicate no significance difference between the views of principals
supervisors, teachers and vice principals. Therefore it conclude that the communication
habit of school leader in the effective of SIP were weak.
In item 7 of table 10, 1(25%) of principal, 1(50%) of supervisor, 1(25%) of vice principal
and 35(51.5%) of teachers respondents school have medium skilled man powers to
practices SIP, again, 3(75%) of principals, 1(50%) of supervisor, 3(75%) of vice
principals and 25(36.8%) of teachers respondents school have low skilled man powers to
practices SIP, only 3(4.4%) and 5(7.4%) of teachers respondents school skilled man
powers have very high and very low respectively. The rating of principals with (X =2.5,
SD =0.50), supervisors with (X =2.5, SD 0.70) and teachers with (X =2.53, SD =0.70)
replied that school have medium skilled man powers to practice SIP while vice principals
with (X =2.25, SD =0.50) low skilled man power. The average mean X= 2.44, it indicate
low agreement of the majority of respondents with the given issue. The significance level
(p =0.75) is greater than 0.05, it shows there is no difference between the opinion of the
respondents as regarding to school have not killed man powers to practice SIP.
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principals and 33(48%) of teachers respondents school principals have acquired medium
educational management skill, the rest 1(1.5%) and 17(25%) of teachers respondents
school principals have acquired very high and low educational management skilled
respectively. The rating expiration of principals with(X =3.75, SD =0.81), supervisors
with (X =3.5, SD =0.70) and vice principals with(X =3.75, SD =0.81) replied school
principals acquired high educational management skill and teachers with (X =3.38, SD
=0.57) school principal medium to acquired educational management. The average mean
value X= 3.61, indicating that the majority of respondents were high agreement with the
given issue. In addition to this data is obtained through interview question of principals
and Woreda education office head in the sampled schools 3(75%) of school principals
have took (acquired) educational management skill. From this we concluded that school
principals have enough performance of educational management. The significance level
(p=0.56) is greater than 0.05, it shows that there is no difference between the views of
teachers, principals, vice principals and supervisors as regarding school principals have
high educational management skill is satisfactory.
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Table 11. Respondents views on activity of monitoring and evaluation
Frequency and percentage X SD Avg P
No Items Respon X Val
dents 5 4 3 2 1
80
As shown in table 11of item 1, 2(50%) of principal, 1(50%) of supervisor, 2(50%) of vice
principals and 16(23.5%) of teachers respondents the evaluating and monitoring of SIC
were medium for the activity of SIP, 2(50%) of principals, 1(50%) of supervisor, 2(50%)
of vice principals and 41(60.3%) of teachers respondents the SIC has to monitor and
evaluate the SIP activity were low in the schools, while 2(2.9%) and 9(13.2%) of teachers
respondents SIC to evaluate and monitor the activity of school were very high and very
low respectively. The rating with principals (X=2.5, SD =0.57), supervisors with (X =2.5,
SD =0.70) and vice principals with (X =2.5, SD =0.57) the evaluation and monitoring
activity of SIC were medium and teachers(X =2.16, SD =0.68) SIC were low monitoring
and evaluating the activity. The average mean X= 2.41 indicating SIC evaluate and
monitor the activity were low. Additionally data obtained from interview question and
FGD the monitoring and evaluating technique of school improvement committee were
low and the committee were not supported and encouraged by the schools and Woreda
education office. The significance level (p=0.53) is greater than 0.05, it indicated that
there is no difference between the views of principals, teachers, supervisors and vice
principals in regarding the monitoring and evaluation activity of school improvement
committee were unsatisfactory.
In table 9 of item 2, respondents were asked school support the method of internal
supervision by using internal supervisors. 1(25%) of principal, 4(5.9%) of teachers
respondents high supporting of school using internal supervision, 2(50%) of principals,
2(100%) of supervisors, 3(75%) of vice principals and 34(50%) of teachers respondents
school supervision by using internal supervision were medium,1(25%0 of principal,
1(25%) of vice principal and 25(36.8) of teacher respondents low support of school by
using internal supervision, only 5(7.4%) of teachers respondents the internal supervision
were very low. The rating of principals with (X =3, SD =0.57) supervisors with(X =3),
vice principals with (X =2.75, SD =0.50) and teachers with (X =2.54, SD =0.72) school
has give support were medium internal method of supervision. The average mean X
=2.85 it indicate uncertainty of the majority respondents with the given issue. The
significance level (p=0.48) is greater than 0.05, it show their is no difference between the
opinion of principals, supervisors, vice principals and teachers in regarding to school give
support to increase internal supervision.
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In item 3 of table 9, 2(50%) of principals, 1(50%) of supervisor and 20(29.4%) of
teachers respondents teachers receive high feedback after visit on how they are teach in
the class, 2(50%) of principals, 1(50%) of supervisor,2(50%) of vice principals and
27(39.7%) of teachers respondents teachers receive medium feedback after how they are
teach in the class , 2(50%) of vice principals and 15(22.1%) of teachers respondents
teachers has receive regular feedback were low after visiting on how they are teach in the
class, on the other hand only 4(5.9%) and 2(2.9%) of teachers respondents response
school teachers has receive regular feedback very high and very low respectively after
visiting how they are teach in the class. The rating expiration of principals with (X =3.5,
SD =0.57) and supervisors with(X =3.5, SD =0.70) replied that teachers receive regular
feedback after visiting how they are teach were high and vice principals with (X =2.5, SD
=0.57) and teachers with (X =3.13, SD=0.93) indicate low receiving of feedback after
visiting how they are teach. The average mean value X =3.15, indicating medium of the
majority of the respondent with the given issue. From this it concluded that the system of
teachers to give regular feedback for the students is poor. the significance level (p= 0.4)
is greater than 0.05 it shows there is no difference between the views of teachers,
principals, vice principals and supervisors on regarding with teachers give regular
feedback after visiting how they are teach were unsatisfactory.
As shown in table 9 of item 4, respondents were asked parents continuously visit the
school. 1(25%) of principals, 1(50) of supervisor, 1(25%) of vice principals and 8(11.8%)
of teachers respondents parents medium visiting the school, 3(75%) of principals,
1(50%) of supervisors, 3(75%) of vice principals and 47(69.1%) of teachers respondents
parents visit the school were low, the rest 13(19.1%) of teachers respondents very low
agreement with the issue. the rating of principals with (X =2.25, SD=0.50), vice
principals with ( X =2.25, SD =0.50) and teachers with ( X=1.93, SD =0.53) low
agreement about parents visit the school and supervisors with (X =2.5, SD =0.70)
medium agreement with the issue. The average mean X =2.23, indicating majority of the
respondents were replied parents low visiting the schools. In addition to this data is
obtained from interview question shows as except PTA members most of the parents are
not visit the schools. Thus it concluded that the school community (parents) has not
actively participated in the school issue. The significance level (p=0.24) is greater than
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0.05, it indicating that there is no difference between the views of teachers, principals,
supervisors and vice principals with the given issue.
83
replied medium agreement of WEO expert and supervisors has fixed schedule for support
and monitor for the practices of SIP and supervisors with the (X =3.5, SD =0.70) high
fixed schedule of monitoring and giving technical support of WEO expert and
supervisors for the practices of SIP. The average mean value X =2.92, it indicating that
majority of respondents were medium agreement on the given issue. further more data
obtained by conducting interviews question with principals, supervisors and Woreda
education office heads, expert cluster supervisors WEO expert were not fully schedule
and familiarized in the activity of schools, and no continually monitor, supervise and
giving any technical support for the practices of SIP. Therefore it concludes that the
monitoring technical supporting and evaluation given by cluster supervisors and WEO
expert to the practices of SIP was low. It indicates sufficient monitoring and supporting
of schools was one of the factors to practices SIP. The significance level (p=0.89) if
greater than 0.05, this indicate that there is no significance difference between the
opinion of teachers, principals, vice principals and supervisors with the regarding of the
given issue.
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4.5. Factors Affecting for the Practices of SIP
Table12. Respondent’s views on factors affect school improvement program
No Respo Frequency and percentage X S.D Overa P valu
Items ndents llX
5 4 3 2 1
85
and the school to plan % 100 3.64 0.85
SIP practices
V.P n 2 2 3.5 0.5
%
50 50
T n 3 38 21 5 1 3.54 0.7
% 4.4 55.9 30.9 7.4 1.5
n 1 1 2 2.75 0.9
Lack of understanding P %
25 25 50
about school
7 Improvement program Su n 1 1 2.5 0.7 2.93 0.02
% 50 50
V.P n 1 2 1 3 0.8
% 25 50 25
T n 2 33 29 4 3.49 0.6
%
2.9 48.5 42.6 5.9
Lack of adequate budget n 2 1 1 3.25 0.9
to practices SIP P % 50 25 25
planning Su n 1 1 3.5 0.7
8 % 50 50
3.44 0.94
V.P n 2 2 3.5 0.57
% 50 50
T n 7 28 26 7 3.51 0.82
% 10.3 41.2 38.2 10.3
In item 2 of table 12, principals, supervisor vice principals replied that medium shortage
of qualified teachers in each subject with the mean of 3.25, SD =0.50, 3 and 3.25, SD
=0.95 and teachers expressed high with mean value of 3.56, SD =0.78. Furthermore the
86
information obtained through interview question from principals, supervisors and Woreda
education office heads held that there is a high problem of qualified teachers in each
subject area and in each grade level. Even if technical drawing, Baseness, Economics,
ICT, physics, Mathis and Amharic teachers were high shortage in the sampled schools.
This is due to high turnover of experienced teachers in case of lat salary payment. The
average mean score of 3.26, it shows that moderate level of respondents with the given
issue. The significance level (p= 0.56) is greater than 0.05, it means there is no difference
between the respondents views of teachers, principals, supervisors and vice principals in
the given issue.
In table 12 of item 3, principals and supervisors are replied that shortage of qualified
principal for the position were low level with in the mean value of 1.75, SD =0.50 and
2.5, SD =0.70 and vice principals and teachers respondents indicated moderate level with
mean score of 2.75, SD =0.96 and 2.96, SD =0.70. The overall mean score is 2.49, it
indicated that majority of respondents was low agreement with the issue. Further more
data obtained through interview question from Woreda education office heads and the
background information shows as 3(75% ) of the secondary school principals were MA
degree holder with school leadership and the rest one principals were first degree in
biology subject. However this possible to conclude that the qualification of principals in
the required position were encouraged for the practices of school improvement program.
As shows in table 12 of item 4, lack of teaching learning facility were high as rated of
with mean score of 3.5, SD =0.81, 3.5, SD =0.70 and 3.71, SD =0.96 of principals
supervisors and teachers respectively. Vice principals respondents indicated that
moderate level with the 3.25, SD =0.95. Lack of teaching facility has an impact for the
practices SIP in line with ministry of education goals. The average mean value of 3.49 it
indicated that medium agreement of majority respondents with the given issue. Therefore
to conclude that lack of enough teaching learning facility in the school is the problems or
obstacle in the sampled schools. the significance level (p =0.01) is less than 0.05, this
indicate that there is a significance difference between the views of principals, teachers,
supervisors and vice principals regarding to lack of enough teaching learning facility in
the schools.
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From item 5 of table 12, respondents of principals, supervisors, vice principals and
teachers replied that high shortage of ICT center and plasma with mean score of 4, 4,
3.75, SD =0.50 and 4.18, SD =0.75 respectively. The overall mean of 3.98, indicated that
the schools have high shortage of ICT and plasma. Moreover the information obtained
through interview question and observation checklist shows that few plasma computers
were found in Tenshu metti secondary school but is not functional. While few computers
is found in Jain and Tensu metti secondary preparatory schools but service providing
to the students has Tenshu metti secondary schools where as the rests schools (Gelasha
and Kumi) secondary schools have not computer. It is possible to conclude that shortage
of ICT center and plasma were the challenge to practices SIP and quality of education has
deteriorated. . The significance level (p =0.39) is greater than 0.05, it indicate there is no
significance difference between the views of teachers, supervisors, vice principals and
principals within the given issue.
Table 12 of item 6 shows, all respondents replied that high level of poor collaboration of
stakeholders to plan SIP with mean value of 3.5, SD =0.57, 4, 3.5, SD =0.57and 3.54, SD
=0.76. The average mean value of 3.64 indicated that the majority of respondents were
high agreement with the issue. This data clearly shows that lack of collaboration planning
has great influence for the program implementation. The significance level (p =0.85) is
greater than 0.05, it means there is no significance difference among the views of
teachers, principals, vice principals and supervisors in the given issue.
88
means there is difference between the response of teachers, principals, vice principals and
supervisors towards to lack of understanding of school members about SIP.
In table 12 of item 8, on lack of adequate budget for the practices of SIP shows as
respondents of principals indicated moderate level with the mean value of 3.25, SD
=0.95 and supervisors, vice principals and teachers respondents replied that high level
with mean score of 3.5, SD =0.70, 3.5, SD =0.57and 3.51, SD= 0.82 respectively. The
averages mean value of 3.44, indicating medium response of the majority of respondents
on the given issue. An interview held with Woreda education office heads also confirms
that the budget allocated for SIP implementation was not much attractive. Only school
grant was allocated for each school to implement SIP; so this is not enough to carry out
all the activities needed to implement the program efficiently and effectively. Hence
inadequate budget allocation was one factor that hinders SIP implementation. The
significance level (p= 0.94) is greater than 0.05, this means there is no difference between
the views of teachers, principals, vice principals and supervisor with the regarding of lack
of adequate budget for the practices of SIP plan.
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CHAPTER FIVE
This chapter deal with the summary of Major findings of the study, conclusion drown on
the basis of finding and recommendation to identifying that assumed the practices and
problems of school improvement program in Majang Zone .
The study was conducted in secondary schools of Gambella Region in Majang zone.
Then the purpose of the study was to assess the practices and problems of school
improvement program in government secondary schools. For the success of this purpose
the following basic question were raised;
1. What are the existing practices of school improvement program in Majnge zone
secondary schools?
2. What are the major factors that affect for the practices school improvement in
secondary school of Majang zone?
3. What monitoring and evaluation mechanisms‟ are put in place to follow the
practices of SIP in Majnge zone secondary schools?
4. To what extent have teachers, students and parents involved in school improvement
planning and practices SIP in the secondary schools?
5. To what extent the practices and problems of school improvement program
implementation in Majange zone secondary schools?
The study was conducted in select 4 out of 6 secondary schools in Majang zone. In this
study descriptive survey design and mixed research method was employed and both
qualitative and quantitative data was used. The data gathered from both primary and
secondary sources. The primary sources were obtained from teachers, principals, vice
principals, supervisors, WEO heads, SIC members and PTA members. The secondary
sources were including documents reviews and observation was used. The selected
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sampled schools were by using random sampling technique from the two Woreda (i.e
Godera and Mengshi Woreda).
The total numbers of the respondents was 113. Out of this numbers 2 respondents‟
Woreda education office heads were selected, 4 principals, 2 supervisors were selected
purposive sampling and 68 teachers, 4 vice principals using simple random sampling
technique, and 20 SIC members and 12 PTA members were selected using available
sampling. Data gathering instruments used in the study was questionnaire including both
open-ended and close-ended items, interview, observation check list and document
reviews were employed to obtain sufficient information from different respondents.
Concerning to the data collected was analyzed by mean score, standard deviation and t-
test value.
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Practices of School Improvement Program
With the regard of Teaching learning domain as practices of continue assessment, class
and home work has regularly given by teachers, student centered teaching method and
tutorial support for lower learner and female students is being fair with the mean value of
3.37, 3.46, 3.52 and 3.18 respectively, while the rest, laboratory services with equipment
and chemicals, library services with sufficient books, pedagogical center with enough
teaching aid and individual learning needs and providing the lesson accordingly, for the
result of study indicated that was poor practices with the mean value of 2.93, 2, 2.35,
2.19 and 2.52 respectively. Additionally, the result of interviews, observation and FGD
also confirmed that in the sampled secondary schools were had no even though the access
of laboratory room, equipment and chemical at all and the majority of schools were had
no library services room with sufficient books. In the sampled schools except one school
the rest were had not pedagogical center and teaching aid.
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attractive and lack of safety. Majority of schools teachers with students and students with
principals were had good relationship but the relation among teachers and principals had
poor.
With the regard of leadership and management domain, principals were had good
educational managerial skill with the mean value of 3.61, schools managers and officials
were had relatively medium with the mean value of 3.26, the vision, mission and
objective of schools were good with the mean value 3.62, leaders were had relatively
medium competency to lead and coordinate the practices of SIP with the mean value of
3.04. the remaining issue like; schools manage and directed the activity of SIC members
were low with the mean value of 2.43, the mobilization and supporting of teachers to
practices SIP were poor with value of 2.6, shortage of communication about SIP with
teachers, students and parents and lack of adequate man powers to practices SIP with
mean value of 2.43 and 2.44 respectively. Additionally the information obtained from
interviews and document reviews shows that, poor managing and directing of leaders for
the activity of SIP. Schools were had vision, mission and objective are clearly stated.
Leaders were shortage of competency to lead and coordinate the practices of SIP. In the
93
sampled schools majority of teachers were teach not parallel to the qualification and
except Geography, Biology and chemistry teachers the remaining subjects teachers were
high shortage and even like technical drowning teachers were not available in sampled
schools. Majority of principals were had acquired educational management skills.
94
late teacher‟s salary payee; lack of adequate budget for the activities of SIP; high
turnover of experienced teachers. All the major factors are affecting the practices of SIP.
5.3. Conclusion
There is no doubt that successful school improvement is related to systematically
planning, monitoring and evaluation process which enable to increase student‟s
achievement. In order to what matters to practices successes fully the program ; the way
to prepared plan before assessing the problem, evaluating and prioritizing, encouraging
key stakeholders in developing school improvement plan, enhancing community involved
in school improvement plan, practices monitoring and evaluation activity, allocating
sufficient budgets.
Based on the finding, the study revealed that in regarding to planning of SIP; the schools
conducting self- evaluation and identifying and prioritizing the problems were low.
Moreover the problem found in the sampled schools was absences of collaborative
planning. This implies that the planning of SIP for implementation was found the most
serious challenges to success of SIP. The finding of the study showed that lack of
providing adequate training for the teachers and school staff in the practices of SIP and
poor community involvement, weak participation of stakeholder (teachers, students and
parents) in planning of SIP, school leaders and SIC members was lack of commitment to
invite stakeholders. This indicated that low involvement and participation of stakeholder
in planning and practices of SIP was found the most serious problems in the success of
SIP in the secondary schools.
The finding of the study indicated that in the sampled school the implementation of SIP
were at moderate level performance with respect to the four domains; making school
conducive learning environment domain, teaching learning domain, leadership and
management domain whereas the community involvement showed weak level of
performance. The research finding on school the extent of monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms and the provision of supports for school and continuous supervision made by
Woreda education officials, school improvement committee, and the existences of fixed
schedules for monitoring and evaluation of the performances in the implementation of
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SIP were unsatisfactory. This is implied that monitoring and evaluation mechanisms were
the Problems of SIP for successfully practices the sampled schools.
The findings of this research have revealed that all the points given as factors affected the
practices of SIP and the degree of influence they exerted on the practices of the program
were high level. Thus it showed that school facilities are factors that affected for better
practices of SIP in the sampled schools. Furthermore the researcher has found related to
factor affecting that the practices of SIP at educational sectors from interviews and open-
ended questionnaire illustrated as; the school improvement strategic plan was prepared by
school principals and few individual without getting the necessary argument by teachers
and other were supportive in developing and implementing the program. Shortage of
qualified teachers in each grade level, shortage of ICT center and plasma, laboratory
room with chemical, pedagogical center, lack of adequate budget, very fast and high
turnover of teachers, Lack of library services with sufficient books and late teacher‟s
salary payment were identified as the major factors which affect the implementation of
SIP. As a result, this clearly indicated that the schools are not effectively addressing the
needs of the learner. Generally, secondary schools of the study area were low practices of
school improvement program.
96
5.4. Recommendation
The central focusing area of school improvement program was improving student‟s
outcomes. In order to improve student‟s achievements schools should be practices school
improvement program properly. Therefore, based on the major findings and conclusion
of the study, the following recommendations are given;
1. The finding of the study indicated that school conducting self- evaluation and
prioritizing the problems was low. Then, the school principals are give awareness
for the school entire community about the advantages of school conducting self
evaluation and set the method of evaluation and prioritizing the problems by
participating stakeholders.
2. The study showed that the school improvement strategic plan was developing by
the individual school principals. The involvement of teachers, students, and
community in planning of SIP was poor. To overcome the problems related to
planning even in implementation, all stakeholders should be involved in the
planning process. To do so school principals expected to mobilize the school
community to actively participate in the planning process.
3. During the implementation of SIP, capacity building is highly important. The
delivery of capacity building trainings regarding school improvement planning,
community participation and monitoring and evaluation for all stakeholders were
low. However, providing trainings and workshops to orient and train all
stakeholders so as to avoid the dichotomy resulted from label conceptions and
believe on rationales in the practices of SIP.
4. The finding indicated school improvement program implementation was low.
Therefore to improve student‟s achievements in teaching learning process,
community‟s involvement was critical issue. So Woreda education office,
supervisor and school principals should make great effort to strengthen their
relationship and by creating community forum. For more the creating enabling for
school principals, students, teachers, educational office and other stakeholders at
every level of education sectors.
97
5. According to the finding there was high shortage of school facilities to carry out
SIP implementation. Therefore to solve academic problems of students, utilization
of library services, use of instructional media, use of laboratory, create conducive
learning environment, give students teaching needs and motivate and encourage
teachers for good practices.
6. In order to solve teaching learning problems, school leaders in working
collaboration with the school community, PTA members, teachers, supervisors,
WEO experts, political leaders as well as GREOB, this is important to construct
sufficient laboratory room with equipment and chemical, library room with
sufficient books, to mobilizing the community, to get qualified teachers in each
level, ICT room with excess computer, providing training for teachers and key
stakeholders.
7. The findings of the study showed that allocation of budget for the practices of SIP
was low. Therefore to solve the schools financial and material problems,
governments should allocate sufficient additional budget (block grant), inkier the
scale of school grant budget to facilitate the program and schools design
additional income generation by active involvement of all the school stakeholders
to solve the problems permanently.
8. The findings of study shows that the participation of PTA in school management
was low, therefore the school leaders and the concerned bodies are expected to
conduct meeting by giving awareness on their responsibility
9. From the finding of the study, school monitoring and visiting by parents and
WEO experts was low. Therefore wereda education office heads and school
principals are responsible and give attention for monitoring and evaluating for the
success of SIP.
98
References
ACT. (2009). School Improvement Framework: Better Schools... Better Futures Raising
Quality and Achieving Excellence in ACT Public Schools. Canberra.
Adesina, S. (1990) Education management. Abisiani Eng. 4th Dimension Publishing Co.
LTD
Best ,J.W., and Kahan, J.V.(2003). Research in education. New Delhi: Prentice HallPl.
Creswell, J.W. (2003). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods
Approaches. (2nd ed.). California: Sage Publications.
99
Columbia. Retrieved on March 21, 2012, from http://ed.sc.gov/agency/ac/Student-
Intervention-Services/documents/SC-SchoolEnvironmentRFP-Nov2011.pdf
Day, C., Harris, A. and Hopkins, D. (2005). Effective Leadership for School
Improvement: New York and London: Rutledge Flamer
EIC, (2000).School Improvement Planning: A Hand Book for Principals Teachers and
School Councils Extrated from http://eie.edu.gov.on.ca.On 21 August 2009.
100
Jeilu Oumer.(2010).”Strategic and School Development Planning: Addis Ababa
University.Jersey; Person Prentice Hall
Khosa G. (1999). Sustainable School Improvement: Apartnership between the State, the
private
Leedy, P.D and ormrod, J.E (2005) practical research planning and design (8th ED)
New
Marsh, C (1988). Spotlight on school improvement Australia Auen and un wind Inc.
Mick Zais (2011). South Carolina School Environment Initiative. South Carolina
Department of Education,
101
___________ (1994:1) Education and Training Policy: Federal Democratic Republic
Government of Ethiopia. (1Edition), Addis Ababa. .
102
_________(Ministry of Education, Ethiopia) (2006): School Improvement Program
Implementation Guide Lines.(August,2006)(0) MOE blue Print.
_________ (2011) Revised, Governing Guide Line For The Implementation of the
School Improvement program.
__________ (2011) Revised, Governing Guide Line For The Implementation of the
School Improvement program.
Simpkins, K. (2009). Quality education and the essential need for school improvement.
Unpublished Guideline Paper. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Education.
UNESCO. (2006). Teachers and, Education Quality: Monitoring Global Needs for
2015.Montreal: UNESCO, Institute for Statistics. Addis Ababa University
Press. Addis Ababa.
World Bank. (1995). Priorities and Strategies for Education: Development in Practice.
U.S.A: The International bank for Reconstruction and Development.
WOODHALL,
World Bank. (2001). Education and Health in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review. Sec
Approaches. Washington, D.C. World Bank.
103
Appendix-I
Note that:
No need to write your name on the questionnaire
Please mark only one response to a question, with alternative choices put “√” in
the given box
Write your opinion clearly for open ended questions on the space provided.
104
Part I
1. Background Information
1. Name of the School ____________
2. Name of Woreda _______________
3. Sex: a. Male b. Female
4. Age (in years):
a.18 – 30 c. 41 – 50
b. 31– 40 d. 51– 60
e. above 60
5. Qualification of teacher
a. Diploma b. BA/BED/BSC
c. MA /MED/MSC ) d. any other
6. Teaching experience in years (only for teachers)
a. Below 5 years b. 6-10 years c. 11-15 years
d . 16-20 years e. 21-25 years f. 26 and above
105
PART II
a.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To improve the achievement of learning outcome of students there are four domains.
Please show the level of your agreement and the extent to which the mentioned activities
were practices in your school based on your opinion by putting “X” sign in the space
provided corresponding to each item under the rating scales that represents your
response.
106
3.1The Practices of School Improvement Program
3.1.1Teaching learning domain
9. List two other weakness related to the teaching and learning in the practices respect
of school improvement program
a.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. List any two strength related to teaching learning in the practices of SIP to enhance
students result
a.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
107
3.1.2. School Learning environment Domain
Vary High =5, High =4, Medium =3, Low = 2, Vary Low=1
7. List any three other strength of your school in additional to establishing conducive
learning environment
a.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Write any three weakness of your school in relation to establish conducive learning
environment
a.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
108
3.1.3. Community Involvement Domain
R/ Items Scale
N
5 4 3 2 1
1 Teacher collect the result of student and communicate with
parents
2 Parents provide comment and following upon their students
learning and their result
3 Parents involved in school improvement program planning and
its practices
4 The school leader conduct evaluation and meeting with PTA
members
5 Parents monitor and visit the teaching learning activity of the
school and their students
6 PTA members is actively participate in school management
a.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
109
3.1.4. Leadership and Management Domain
R/
N Items Scale
5 4 3 2 1
1 School mangers and officials have acquired educational
management capacity to effectively practices SIP
2 School leader mange and direct the activity of school
improvement committee
3 School has vision, mission, objective to improve the student
learning
4 The school mobilize and support teacher to practice school
improvement program
5 The competency of school leader to lead and coordinate the
practice of school improvement program
6 School has effective communication about school improvement
with teachers and students
7 School have adequate skilled man powers to practices SIP plan
8 School principals have acquired adequate educational
management skill
9. Write two any other weaknesses of school leadership and management with the
practices of SIP leader competency
a.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
110
4. Monitoring and Evaluation method
a.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
111
5. Factor Affected the School Improvement Program Implementation
The following are some of the major problems that affect the practices of school
improvement program in the secondary school.
Indicate your level of agreement for each item under the scales that represents
your opinion.
Vary High =5, High =4, Medium=3, Low= 2,Vary Low =1
R/ Items Scales
N
Building the Capacities of Leadership 5 4 3 2 1
1 Lack of technical support from woreda education officials
2 Shortage of qualified teacher in each subject area
3 Shortage of qualified principals for the required position
4 Lack of enough teaching learning facilities in the school
5 The extent to which Shortage of ICT center and plasma
6 Poor collaboration among stake holders and the school to plan SIP
practices
7 Lack of understanding about school improvement program
8 Lack of adequate budget to practices SIP planning
9. List down any more factors the hinder the practices of school improvement program in
the school
a-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Appendix II
113
Appendix-III
1. Background In formation
1.1. Name of the woreda school__________
1.2. Age ______
1.3. Sex______
1.4. Total service ________________Years
1.5. Work experience as principals____ years and supervisor _____Years
1.6. Qualification a. BA/BED/BSC ( ) b. MA /MED/ MSC ( )
1.7. Area of specialization ______________________
2. Do you provide any workshop or training for teacher and SIP committee on the
planning and practices of school improvement program?
4. How do you explain the method of monitoring and evaluating the activities of SIP
in your cluster /school?
5. Explain your effort to make the school environment of the classroom is conducive
for learning?
114
6. Explain the extent to which technical support is given to the secondary school to
facilitate the practices of SIP?
7. What about the access of necessary material like student text book, computer and
computer room plasma, laboratory and other SIP material school facilities?
8. Explain any effort to made increase the awareness of SIP committee stakeholders to
practices SIP? What is the involvement in the present?
9. To what extent does the school principal provide supervision and support
department heads and teachers to meet the purposes of the school improvement?
2. SIP documents
115
Appendix-IV
Addis Ababa University
College of Education and Behavioral studies
Department of Educational Planning and Management
Observation Checklist for Majange zone Secondary Schools
Name of woreda ----------------------------------------------
Name of the school -----------------------------------------------
No. Items Sampling schools
Measurement
Jain Tenshu metti Kumi Gelasha
1 Attractive school v. good
compound Good X X
Poor X X
v. poor
2 Access of Water v. good
supply Good X
Poor X X
v. poor X
3 Toilet for female and v. good
male students Good X X
separately Poor X X
v. poor
4 Enough learning class v. good
room Good X X
Poor X X
v. poor
5 Student text book with v. good
each subject Good X
Poor X X X
v. poor
7 Library with sufficient v. good
books Good
Poor X X X
v. poor X
8 Laboratory with v. good
enough equipment and Good
chemical Poor
v. poor X X X X
9 Pedagogical center v. good
with available Good
teaching aids Poor X X X X
v. poor
10 ICT room with v. good
functional computer Good
Poor X X
v. poor X X
116
Appendix-IV
Addis Ababa University
Focused Group Discussion Questions for vice principals schools SIP and PTA
committee
Dear SIP Committees; The main objective of this discussion is to gather information for
the study on the practices and problems of School Improvement program in majange
zone secondary school. You are; a members of school improvement committee in the
school. Therefore, kindly requested to provide necessary information on different issues
related to the study. It is very important that you provide honest responses as freely as
possible.
117
Appendix-V
አዲስ አበባ ዩኒቨርስቲ
የድህረ ምረቃ ትምህርት ቤት
በሥነ ትምህርት ኮላጅ የሥነ ባህርይ ጥናት ክፍል
የትምህርት ማሻሻያ ማዕቀፍን የሚመሇከት መረጃ ማሰባሰቢያ መጠይቅ
በወሊጀ መምህር ተማሪዎች ህብረት እና በት/ቤት ማሻሻያ ኮሚቴ የግሩፐ የመወያያ
መመሪያ
ይህ የመውያያ ርዕሰ በሁሇተኛ ደረጃ ትም/ቤቶች ያሇውን የትም/ቤት ማሻሻያ መረሀ ግብር
አተገባበር በሚመሇከት መረጃ ማሰባሰብ ነው፡፡ ሰሇሆነም የውይይቱ ዋና አላማ ሰሇ ት/ቤት
ማሻሻል መረሀ ግብረ አተገባበር ላይ የሚደረሱ ና የደረሱ ተጸኖዎችን የምንወያይበት ሲሆን
በወይይታችን ላይ ሇአተገባበሩ የተደረጉ ጥረቶችንና ባጋጠሙ ችግሮች ላይ የተወሰዱ
መፈትሄዎችን እያነሳን እንወያያሇን፡፡ሰሇሆነም ይህ መረጃ የተፈሇገው ሇሁሇተኛ ዲግሪ
የማሟያ ጹሁፍ ሇሆነው ሇዚህ ጥናት እጀግ ወሳይ ነው ፡፡ በመሆኑም ከዚህ በታች በተነሱት
ጥያቋ መሰረት ያሇትን የማሻሻያ አተገባበርና ችግሮቹን በጥልቀት አንሰተን
እንወያይባቸዋሇን፡፡ ሰሇሆነም በግሩፐ እንቀመጥና በቀረበው ጥይቃ ላይ እየተነጋገረን
ሀሳባችንን እናሸራሸር፡፡
1. የትም/ቤት ማሻሻያ መረሀ ግብር በትም/ቤት ትግባራዊ ሆኛል
2. የትም/ት ቤት የ3 ዓመቱ የማሻሻያው የዕቅድ ዝግጅት ላይ ተሳትፋችኃል;
3. በመማሪያ ክፍል ወሰጥ የማሰተማሪያው ሰነ ዘዴ ተማሪን ያሳተፈ ነው ;
4. ተማሪዎች ከትም/ቤት መልሰ እንዲያጠኑና የቤት ሰራዎችን እንዲሰሩ እንዲሁም
የተማሩት በመከታተል የተሻሇ ወጤት እንዲያሰመዘግቡ ያበረታቷቸዋል
5. የትም/ቤት ማሻሻያ መረሀ ግብር ሰልጠና ወሰዳችኃል
6. የትም/ቤቱ ቅጥር ግቢ ንጹህና ማራኪ እንዲሆን የእናተ ተግባራት እንዴት ይገሇጻል
ምንሰ አከናውናችኃል
7. ክትትልና ደጋፍ ታደረጋላችሁ; በምን አይነት ዘዴና ጊዜያት
8. ሇችግሮች የምትወሰዷቸው መፈትሄዎች ምንምን ናቸው
118
Declaration
I declare that this thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in
any other university and that all sources of materials that I have used or quoted have been
duly acknowledged and indicated by means of complete References.
Name _______________________________
This thesis has been submitted for examination with my approval as university advisor.
Name _________________________________
119