Thesis:

Influence of principals’ management practices on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Kaloleni sub-county, Kilifi county, Kenya

The purpose of research was to investigate on influence of principal’s management practices influence on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Kaloleni Sub- County, Kilifi County, Kenya. Principals’ management practices were assessed in terms of provision of rules and regulations, guidance and counselling, parental engagement as well as supervisory practices while academic performance was assessed in terms of improvement in grades or test scores of students in secondary schools. However, research was guided by Fayol Administrative theory and the systems theory. Twenty-two (22) principals, 396 teachers, 3520 students and 3500 parents were targeted population for the study. However, a sample size is of 10 principles, 90 teachers, 160 students and 138 parents were arrived at by employing Yamanes formula. In addition, questionnaires and interview guides were main tools for collecting information. Piloting research was conducted among 40 respondents. Expert judgment helped to establish validity of the data and Cranach Alpha Method was applied to indicate the level of internal reliability. Data triangulation through multiple analysis was used to establish credibility of the instruments. Dependability of the data was attained by use of detailed reporting of each data collection process. Data on quantities was worked out by means of averages, standard deviation, percentage scores, frequencies, tables and charts shall be used to present quantitative information. Findings indicated that students and parents are rarely involved in development of school rules and regulations, teachers are rarely trained on guidance and counselling, schools lack empowerment programs for parents and principals lack adequate instructional leadership. However, it was recommended that principals to always involve students and parents when coming up with school rules, Ministry of Education to train teachers on guidance and counselling, schools with aid of Ministry of Education to develop empowerment programs for parents and principals to adopt instructional leadership apart from overseeing teachers and students’ activities while at school.