ASSESSMENT OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS' EFFECTIVENESS IN IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF SIDAMA ZONE

<strong>ABSTRACT: </strong>The purpose of this study was to assess the school principals’ effectiveness in implementing school improvement program in secondary schools of sidama zone. To achieve this purpose the study employed explanatory research design along with quantitative and qualitative research method. For the study 16 secondary schools were included through simple random sampling. From these sample schools, 204 teachers were selected by using simple random sampling, while 48 principals and 10 supervisor were selected by using availability sampling, 16 school improvement committee and 10 woreda education office heads were included through purposive sampling. Quantitative were used as main tool of data collection. Interview was used to substantiate the data gathered through questionnaire. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and independent sample t-test were employed to analyze quantitative data while narrative analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative data. The result of the study indicated that preparation, planning and implementation of school improvement program were not effective; overall effectiveness in implementing school improvement program was unsatisfactory or low. In addition, collecting of the necessary information in line with four school domains for the purpose of school improvement program implementation rated low; teaching and learning domain it was found that shortage of facilities, lack of techniques and monitoring and evaluation strategies of school improvement program were practiced to support school improvement program implementation was low. Therefore, the study suggests that school improvement committee members, supervisors, school leaders, and woreda and zone education office to promote practical involvement of all stakeholders by creating adequate awareness to implement school improvement program effectively. To achieve the intended objective of the program and it is better to recommend that woreda and zonal education experts, principals, teachers and researchers should suggest possible solutions for the problems that encounter the implementation of school improvement program in secondary schools.