Perceptions of secondary school teachers on the role of the principal as an instructional leader : a case study of Zeerust District

Abstract

The purpose of chis study was co determine the perceptions of secondary school teachers on the role of the principal as an instructional leader. Literature review indicates chat although principals have to exert instructional leadership in order for the state of instruction to improve in schools, most of chem still have not found it possible to exert chis role effectively. They tend co value management issues co a greater extent than curriculum and instructional matters. A questionnaire was designed and administered co a total number of 200 respondents. Amongst chem were school principals, deputy principals, heads of departments and teachers. It required chem co give information regarding their biographical and demographical aspects and co indicate their views on the instructional leadership role of principals. The study revealed that the major role of the principal, as an instructional leader involves allocating resources to the school, monitoring student progress and supervising teachers.