The challenges faced by principals in the implementation of school policies in high schools

Abstract

Various research reports have indicated that principals are faced with a great challenge in the implementation of school policy. It is also indicated that the principals are not succeeding in overcoming these challenges. The main aim of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by principals when implementing school policy. The literature review on challenges faced by principals on policy implementation has been reviewed. The focus was also on policy making at international, national and local levels. The literature review stated and described various challenges, such as late-coming, absenteeism, school vandalism, and the disciplinary that school principals can employ. The literature revealed that the principals have long been experiencing challenges on the implementation of school policy. Research design (both qualitative and quantitative) and methods were outlined m chapter 3. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics through the use of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS 1.5 version) and interpreted in chapter 4. In the light of the findings of this research, it was found out that indeed principals do experience challenges in the implementation of the school policy. The study also revealed that factors such as learner late-coming, absenteeism, bunking classes, being disruptive in class, leaving school without permission, disrespecting and threatening their teachers and other learners, smuggling tobacco and drugs to school and carry dangerous weapons are a great concern. Chapter 5 entails a summary of the findings and recommendations were made which will enhance the practical application of school policy. It is recommended that:

• The principals should be work-shopped and trained on implementation of the school policy. This implies that proper measures need to be implemented to assist or empower the principals to cope with challenges they face in the implementation of the school policy • Principals need to regard consultation as a priority. They need to consult with all the stakeholders pertaining to the implementation of the school policy. Consultation should be given priority in the light of Batho-Pele Principle. • A healthy environment is needed in the school to enforce discipline. It is recommended that good relationship should prevail among all stakeholders within the school to encourage team work and create an open supportive climate in which a conducive and clean environment will prevail. • The Department of Education of Education should supply schools with learners support materials. When the schools have enough learner support material, learners will also be disciplined as they will be kept busy. Therefore, all the departments in the school need to ensure that there is sufficient support material in their departments. This will help instill discipline in the classroom. • It should be clearly stated that every learner will be held accountable for his or her behaviour; to change ill-discipline, punitive strategies should be clearly communicated to the learners.