ASSESSMENT OF LEADERSHIP PRACTICES, SCHOOL CLIMATE AND TEACHERS' COMMITMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF SIDAMA REGION

<strong>ABSTRACT: </strong>The objective of this study was to assess the leadership practices, school climate and teachers’ commitment in secondary schools of Sidama Region. To serve this purpose explanatory sequential research design was employed. The study used both qualitative and quantitative method through collecting and analyzing data. For the study, 8 woreda education office experts selected by using purposive sampling, while 170 teachers were selected by using simple random sampling techniques and 90 school leaders and 8 supervisors were included through comprehensive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics while narrative analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings of the study revealed that there were inadequate leadership practices of school leaders to create positive school climate and teachers commitment. Study showed that leadership practice, school climate has relationship with teachers’ commitment. Leadership practices such as ability to formulate school vision setting and communicate the vision have positive significant relationship with school climate and teachers’ commitment.Majorfactors that influence the leadership practices of school principals to create positive school climate and teachers commitment were inadequate teachers training program, lack of rewards and incentives practice for school community and lack of school facilities. Based on findings study concluded that the current practice of school leaders in developing to create conducive school climate was not satisfactory. This is due to inappropriate leadership style practice to create positive learning environment. Based on these findings, school leaders shall involve teachers and students in decision making in all matters regarding school administration in order to create positive school climate and to promote teachers commitment and teachers advisable undertake education programs offering leadership in order to acquire skills that would promote positive school climate and enhancing their work commitment were recommended.