Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to assess the practices and challenges of school improvement
program implementation in secondary schools of North Shoa Zone. To achieve these purposes
three basic research questions related to the practices and challenges of scool improvement
program in secondary schools were set. Descriptive survey design was employed and lottery
system sampling was used. Accordingly, questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions
were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data and the pilot test was conducted and a
questionnaire was administered to 70 teachers, 13 principals, 6 cluster supervisors, and 26
students. 66 (sixty-six) Questionnaires were properly filled and returned. Interviews were
conducted with Parent Teachers Association members. In addition, a focus group discussion
was conducted with School Improvement Committee members. Then the information obtained
through questionnaires was analyzed using percentage and mean value and the information
gathered from interview and focus group discussion was qualitatively described. The finding of
this study indicates that the practices of school improvement have been low in most cases,
moderate in some cases, and high in rare cases. Due to this, the status of school improvement
program implementations was not to the expected level. The achievements made so far are not
encouraging and no significant efforts have been made to strengthen the implementation of the
school improvement programs. Regarding communication of the goals and objectives of the
school improvement program the mean score is (x=3.69). Regarding the school’s previous
performance was thoroughly evaluated the mean score is (x=3.63). The majority of respondents
indicated that the previous performance was thoroughly evaluated. It implies that the activities of
SIP were going in a good way.
Thus, to overcome the major problems associated with the implementation of the school
improvement program, recommendations have been forwarded; this includes: preparing an
adequate awareness creation program to ensure practical involvement of all stakeholders,
organizing and allocating the necessary resources, providing proper technical support, and
practical training to support the implementation of school improvement program.
