Implementation of new curriculum, an assessment of supervisory practices of heads of basic schools in Ablekumah Central Municipality

Abstract

This research assessed the supervisory practices of heads of basic schools in Ablekumah Central Municipality in relation to the implementation of the new standard-based curriculum. The study adopted mixed method research approach which is also called the triangulation design. In this design three headteachers and fifty teachers were randomly sampled from a population of two hundred and eighty six. From the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data, it can be observed that supervisory practices have changed since the introduction of the new curriculum. While teachers admitted to seeing these changes in the quantitative data, head teachers through the interviews confirmed some of these changes. Headteachers are adopting new supervisory practices and are becoming more interested in supporting their teachers to improve learning. These notwithstanding, it was observed inadequate training on the curriculum is obstructing its effective implementation. The study concluded that supervisory practices in the Municipality brings about greater impact on teaching and learning and therefore recommended that educators be given inservice training on the new curriculum. Also, headteachers should be motivated for adopting innovative supervisory practices and encouraged to put in much effort with the organisation of the professional learning communities.