Developing Framework for Improving Efficiency of Public Secondary School principals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Efficiency of secondary school is to get maximum output with minimum input. In secondary schools, principal of the school is considered efficient when he/she achieves the desired objectives within limited available resources. Main purpose of this study was to develop a framework for improving efficiency of the secondary school principals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Objectives of the study were: to analyze the present status of the efficiency of the Principals of public secondary schools and to develop a frame work for improving efficiency of the secondary school Principals. The study adopted quantitative method for the achievement of objectives. Population of the study included 16 District Education Officers (DEOs) and 490 male/female school principals. The study was delimited to eight districts on the basis of highest and lowest literacy rate. Abottabad, Haripur, Noshera and Kohat were highest in literacy while Shangla, Upper Dir, Battagram and Kohistan were lowest in literacy. 16 DEOs and 230 Principals were sample of the study. Questionnaires for DEOs and principals were developed, validated, piloted and administered to the sampled districts. The data were collected; tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. Mean and Standard Deviation were calculated and elaborated. It was concluded from the findings of the analyzed data of DEOs and school principals that school principals provide guidance and assistance to the teachers in instructional activities to improve their teaching skills, involve their teachers in decision making process, and motivate teachers for better performance and to accept additional responsibilities to teaching. Principals do not have administrative and finance management skills and they need to acquire it. They need administrative and managerial training but the existing training institutions do not cater with the needs of the training. There is dire need of imparting training to the principals of secondary schools. Budget and finance management skills need to be developed in the principals of the schools. Principals neither maintain liaison with the community nor with the neighboring school principals for improving their academic standards and resolving the school issues. They are to maintain liaison with their colleagues as well as the community for betterment of the learning environment.

It is recommended that Secondary School Principals may be given administrative and managerial training in general and in financial management of the school in particular. It will enable them to know the financial rules; will develop the skills to utilize the funds properly, improving the instructional leadership skills and to control the leakage of resources. Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may establish an institution or improve the performance of the existing training institutions at provincial and regional level.

A framework has been developed on the basis of the recommendations of the study which may be helpful in improving the efficiency of Secondary School Principals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.