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The study aimed at examining challenges faced by school heads in maintaining
students‟ academic performance in private secondary schools in Tanga and Korogwe
districts. The study was guided by three specific objectives namely, to identify roles of
heads of private secondary schools, to examine the challenges faced them in
maintaining academic performance and to evaluate the strategies they apply in solving
such challenges. The study was guided by Administrative Management and Scientific
Management theories founded by Henry Fayol and Fredrick. Mixed research approach
and convergent parallel research design were employed. Thirty nine participants were
involved in the study. The study employed purposive and simple random sampling
techniques as questionnaires and interview guides were used in data collection. The
validity was ensured through member checking methods. The reliability was ensured
through split half method. Quantitative data were analysed through SPSS software
version 20 and presented through frequencies, percentages, figures and tables while
qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis and presented through
quotations and narrations. The findings revealed that major roles of school heads were
planning, supervising, coordinating and monitoring, while the challenges they face
included inadequate funds, competition, low enrolment, fee-free basic education policy
and high taxation by TRA. The strategies used to overcome the challenges include
motivation of teachers and students, marketing schools and monitoring discipline. The
study concluded that challenges faced by school heads are inadequate funds, lack of
motivation and low enrolment of students. It is thus recommended that school owners
find other sources of funds, government reform policy for affordable taxes and
restrictions, parents fulfil their responsibility of providing their children with school
needs and teachers be facilitated with regular in-service training. |
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