Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to assess the practice and problems of principal’s performance appraisal in primary schools of Ejersa Lafo Woreda West Shoa. To accomplish this purpose, a descriptive survey design was used which is based on both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study was carried out in 12 randomly selected primary schools of Ejersa Lafo Woreda West Shoa. From the 12 sample schools, 147 teachers,24 unit leaders, 12 principals, 19 vise principals,52 department heads,52 parent teacher association members (PTAs), 5 cluster supervisors, and 3 Woreda experts were participated in the study. Regarding sampling techniques, simple random sampling technique was used to select sample teachers, department heads and PTAs and availability sampling techniques was also used to select cluster supervisors, Woreda experts and unit leaders. Questionnaire was employed as the main instrument for data collection. Interview, Focus Group Discussion and document analysis were also used to substantiate the data obtained through the questionnaire. Percentage and chi-square were employed to analyze the collected quantitative data. The qualitative data obtained through, interview, document analysis, FGD and document analysis were analyzed by narration. The findings of the study revealed that principal’s performance appraisal was not successfully implemented in primary schools in the Woreda. The findings also indicated that appraisers were not well qualified to properly implement the current principal’s performance methods. There were no clear criteria, formats, and appraisers had no enough knowledge and understanding about principals performance appraisal, there were no uniformity in schools in the process of principals appraisal. Based on the findings, it is fair to recommend that: the criteria of PPAs should be align with the goal and objectives of the school, the appraisers of PPAs in all primary schools of the Woreda should be uniform and the Woreda should establish training for teachers, principals, PTAs and department heads about the performance appraisal of principals. Moreover, Teachers, department heads and PTAs should have their own records about PPAS in their schools, and appraisers should give feedback
