The influence of School Leadership on Students Academic Performance in Selected Secondary schools in Busia district, Uganda

Abstract

This study is an assessment of the influence of school leadership and its quality students' performance in the schools. Specifically, the study investigated the relationship between school management and its influence on academic performance, explored the types of leadership skills in school and investigated how leadership skills motivate teachers and staff in a school. The study utilized a case study design on a sample of 365 respondents in Busia District. Data was collected mainly through focus group discussions and interview guides. Considering that the data collected was qualitative and quantitative it was organized in the emerging themes of the study, read and summarized according to the objectives of the study. The study established that; there is relationship between school leadership and academic performance of students. This was established as essential because of the fact that quality school leadership attracts and retains quality teachers and staff who are indispensable for academic success for a school. School leadership ensures necessary discipline among students and promotes standard ethical and professional behaviors of teachers and staff which in turn ensures trust from parents and guardians, and this was seen as a great ingredient for sustainability. This study reveals that there was no formal or organised structure of staff development or any attempt to train staff in school management skills. The study hence recommends that; the Ministry of Education and Sports should design a policy that will compel both government and private school leaders to organize formal trainings of their teachers and staff in school management courses. The researcher also recommends that the same Ministry streamlines Monitoring and Evaluation in the schools of Busia and Uganda in general. To ensure constant surveillance of school activities and also evaluate impact of practices, and document uptake of Ministries recommended guidelines.