Strategies for the management of low performing secondary schools in the North West Province

Abstract

The purpose of this investigative study is to determine the nature of management in low performing secondary schools, looking specifically at internal management as well as at external strategies employed by the Education Department to improve school performance. Various challenges faced by low performing schools are also looked at, including general management themes that can help turn around low performance, such as total quality management, performance management and school-based management. After the literature study, an empirical investigation was conducted regarding the extent to which school management team members employed internal management strategies, and the views of educators were sought on the effectiveness of external management strategies. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire from a sample of 158 educators, including SMTs. The collected data was analysed, using frequencies and percentages. To cast more light on the findings, the mean score ranking technique was also applied. This was followed by the presentation, analysis and interpretation of the data collected. The major findings of the study include opinions that SMTs apply most management strategies to an adequate rather than to a great extent. The data also indicated that most management strategies, with the exception of three strategies that were considered effective, were seen as ineffective in dealing with low performance in schools.

In chapter five, the research study was summarised. This was followed by findings on the aims of the study. The was followed by recommendations and motivations derived from the literature study and an empirical investigation regarding the nature of management in low performing schools, including the management strategies used to improve school performance. Suggestions for further research were also presented.