Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
First Advisor
Fortidas Bakuza.
Department
Institute for Educational Development, East Africa
Abstract
Effective school leadership plays a pivotal role in creating an environment conducive to academic success. However, research on context-specific leadership strategies employed by secondary school leaders in Igunga district to promote student achievement is limited. This qualitative case study aimed to address this gap by examining the role of secondary school leaders in promoting student achievement in Igunga district, Tanzania - a rural context facing academic challenges. Data was collected through interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and observations from three schools, involving school leaders, teachers, and students. Key findings pertained to prevalent leadership styles employed, such as transformational, distributed, and servant leadership. Factors influencing student achievement included parental involvement, teacher development, and student well-being. Challenges school leaders faced in enhancing achievement included shortages of teachers and resources, limited technological integration, and inadequate teacher professional development and support. Mitigation strategies focused on collaboration with education authorities to hire and retain teachers, prioritizing technology training for teachers, establishing training programmes, advocating for increased funding, and establishing counseling services. The study provides valuable insights into effective, context-specific leadership practices and their impact on student outcomes in Igunga district. Recommendations center on providing ongoing professional development opportunities to strengthen school leaders' skills, enhancing instructional practices through teaching support and professional growth opportunities, utilizing data effectively to inform decision-making, and developing collaborative partnerships with stakeholders. Addressing gaps through evidence-based policies and practices has potential to enhance leadership capacity and student achievement in similar contexts.
First Page
1
Last Page
78
Recommended Citation
Albogast, A.
(2024). Examining the role of secondary school leaders in promoting students' achievement in Igunga district.. , 1-78.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/etd_tz_ied_m-ed/483