Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
First Advisor
Dr. Mweru Mwingi
Department
Institute for Educational Development, East Africa
Abstract
Junior secondary schools in kenya serve as crucial intermediaries between primary and secondary education, facilitating the transition of students from a foundational to a more specialized curriculum. Despite their significance, they face multifaceted administrative challenges that impede their effective operation and the successful implementation of the competency-based curriculum. Research that has examined the coping strategies these administrators employ to effectively handle the multiple difficulties encountered in their roles is scanty. This qualitative study therefore sought to delve into administrative challenges faced by the headteachers of Junior secondary schools in Rarieda sub- county in kenya and the coping mechanisms and strategies they employ. A case study research design was adopted. Purposive sampling technique was used to pick 12 headteachers from JSS in Rarieda sub-county. Data was collected through interviews, observations, and document review. Thematic analysis revealed key challenges, including infrastructure deficits, lack of resources, teacher shortages, funding issues, and personnel management concerns. The findings from the study further revealed that headteachers devised various innovative coping strategies within these constraints, such as repurposing buildings as classrooms and mobilizing resources through fundraising and networking. Collaboration between junior secondary and primary teachers helped mitigate staffing shortages and accepting non-monetary items from parents as payment for school levies—especially those related to the lunch program. The study identified two particularly effective coping strategies: resource mobilization and accepting in-kind payments.
The findings highlight the resilience of the headteachers in the face of significant challenges. However, Comprehensive investment by the Government in facilities, materials, staffing, and financial management training is recommended to alleviate administrative burdens on headteachers and ensure successful transition and operation of junior secondary schools. The study suggests further investigation on whether administrative challenges and coping strategies vary across different regions and what factors contribute to these variations
First Page
1
Last Page
72
Recommended Citation
ABUDHO, S. B.
(2024). Exploring coping strategies employed by headteachers in managing administrative challenges in public junior secondary schools: a case study of selected junior secondary schools in rarieda sub county in kenya.. , 1-72.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/etd_tz_ied_m-ed/496