Abstract:
This study investigated school improvement practices of Junior High School
Headteachers in the Tano North Municipality. The study employed mixed method
approach which was underpinned by pragmatic paradigm of which the researcher
involved the use of qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. The
researcher, employed census frame was used to involve all the sixty-seven (67) in the
quantitative phase of the study while maximal variation sampling technique was
employed to select twelve (12) headteachers who had already responded to the
questionnaire were selected for interview for qualitative data. A questionnaire was used
to collect data for the quantitative phase of the study while interview guide was used to
collect data for the qualitative phase of the study. Quantitative data was analyzed
through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 software
indicating means and standard deviations, to present the results in tables while the
qualitative data was used to explain and explore qualitative data in order to support the
quantitative discussion when necessary. The study found that the headteachers were
able to manage individuals and lead effective teams, provide feedback to teachers about
how to improve instruction, encourage monitoring of pupils and exercises by the
teachers, and carefully monitor/evaluate implementation of school improvement plans.
It also found that, headteachers played massive role in working with the communities to
improve teaching and learning in Tano North Municipality. It was revealed that, the
headteachers ensured that all systems and resources, including financial, human and
environmental resources, are used efficiently and effectively to achieve the school’s
goals, develop a well-defined vision, mission and goal with teachers. The study
recommended that, headteachers should partner cooperate organisations in the
Municipality to enlist their support for holistic teaching and learning in the
Municipality Furthermore, headteachers can liaise with the Tano North Educational
Directorate and other stakeholders of education to ensure rapid and adequate supply of
resources to the schools, as it makes the teaching and learning improves in these
schools more enhanced for better BECE outcome. In addition, orientation and regular
in-service education and training (INSET) for both newly posted teachers and others
should be a permanent feature of the teaching and learning process to register
effectiveness and efficiency in the management and administration of basic schools in
the Tano North Municipality.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of Educational Administration and Management,
Faculty of Educational Studies, Submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Educational Administration and Management)
in the University of Education, Winneba