PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF IMPLEMENTING CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT: THE CASE OF SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL IN WEST WOLLEGA ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the current status of CA implementation, the attitude of teachers and students toward CA, the challenge facing the implementation and the potential solutions to overcome implementation gaps of CA. The study involved 3 government secondary schools which were purposely selected from 25 secondary schools of West Wollega zone Oromia regional state. Accordingly 132 students, 24 teachers, and 3 directors were involved in the study. The study used mixed methods design. Data were collected through questionnaire, interview, observation and document analysis. Percentage, one way ANOVA and T-test were statistical method used to analyze and present the data. The major findings of this study include very weak document handling, and poor record keeping of learners" CA achievements, less learners" involvement in their own assessment. The study also found that large class sizes, inadequacy of text books and school infrastructures, lack of manuals, weak follow up, support and feedback system on the implementation of learners" CA, lack of training opportunity for teachers were the major challenges of CA. For further improvement, school based trainings, adequate and updated manuals, advanced follow up, support and immediate feedback on the learners" CA implementation, and fulfillment of school infrastructures are suggested as potential solutions to the proper implementation of CA.