Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to assess practice and challenges of strategic plan
implementation in Government secondary schools of Elfeta Woreda. In order to seek
answers to the research questions, a descriptive survey design was employed. The sample of
the study was selected through purposive and simple random sampling technique from three
secondary schools of the district. The subjects of the study were principals, teachers, PTA’s,
supervisor and woreda education experts. The data was gathered from respondents through
questionnaire and interview. Furthermore, document analysis was made to supplement the
data collected through questionnaire and interview. Questionnaires were distributed for
teachers and school principals. The data obtained was analyzed by descriptive method and
presented using percentage, mean score and standard deviation in tables. Results of the
study revealed that stakeholders participation in the process of strategic plan and utilization
of data collection, and mobilization of resources to determine priorities were low. The study
further portrayed that lack of knowledge and skills, problem of resource capacity, lack of
integration and weak monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms of school strategic plan
implementation. Thus, based on the findings obtained it can be concluded that the extent of
Strategic Planning implementation was highly affected by poor review and design, lack of
effective participation, and collaboration of the plan actors and mobilization of resources as
well weak implementation strategies, lack of regular monitoring, and evaluation
mechanisms. This implies that the problems emanate from lack of planning skills, knowledge
and experience in conducting school review and determination of priorities by participating
stakeholder, and mobilization of other resources, as well as problems of implementation,
monitoring, and evaluation. Therefore, it is recommended that awareness creation and
strengthening the participation of the plan actors, mobilizing internal and external
stakeholders would enable to achieve the anticipated Strategic Planning implementation
effectively and efficiently.
