Management Practices of HeadTeachers in Junior High Schools in the Ahafo-Ano North Municipality of the Ashanti Region

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of management practices of head teachers in Junior High Schools in the Ahafo-Ano North Municipality of Ashanti Region. The objectives of the study were to find out the management practices of head teachers, identify challenges head teachers face in the management of the school and to find out ways to improve head teachers management practices in Junior High Schools in the AhafoAno North Municipality. Descriptive research design was used for the study. The targeted population was all the head teachers and teachers of the eight junior high schools in the Tepa circuit ‘B’ of the Ahafo-Ano North Municipality. The accessible population was 70, consisting of 8 head teachers and the 62 teachers in the eight junior high schools. Census sampling was used to select all the 8 head teachers and 62 teachers for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. It was found among others that provision of feedback and appraisal for teachers self-confidence and delegating responsibilities to other teachers when necessary were management practices portrayed by head teachers. Inadequate funding, inadequate school facilities, work overload and poor condition of service were some of the challenges in head teachers’ managerial practices. Provision of incentives, provision of regular feedback, and provision of adequate training were ways to improve head teachers management practices. It is recommended based on the findings that the Ghana Education Service (GES) should organize workshops, seminars and forums to upgrade the knowledge of head teacher on management practices that improve teaching and learning.