School management effects on the quality of educational outcomes, a case of secondary schools in Kasama and Mungwi Districts

The study was undertaken in order to establish the school managers effects on the quality of pupils educational outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was used as research design for this study. A sample of 230 educators and 144 pupils was the source of the obtained data. The survey utilized questionnaires, interview schedule and focus group discussion guide as the primary data collection tools. Findings revealed that school mangers had a lot of influence on the daily running of the schools and this affected the school either positively or negatively. Negative effects are what results into poor quality of educational outcomes while positive results account for good qualitable performance of pupils. It was established that school managers should take a leading role in championing for quality in their schools firstly in their manner and style of management, secondly in their ability to formulate workable policies in conjunction with all members of staff and implementing these policies and thirdly in allocating finances to support teaching and learning activities in school. The recommendations include the need for ministry of education to set management training as a pre requisite for school manager's appointment. There should management commitment to quality to be accompanied by resources allocation, change of work culture among teachers and managers, enhanced teamwork, training of teachers beyond just subject area, and participation of all stakeholders in delivering education. The findings of the research have great implications for management and teachers in schools, as well as other stakeholders. They spell out the role each of the stakeholders should play. School administrators are challenged to be committed to providing quality education service