The role of the principal in leading and managing teaching and learning in Lesotho : a case study of distributed leadership in two primary schools in the distric of Botha-Bothe.
Date
2015-05-28
Authors
Sefeane, Litlhaka A.
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Abstract
Education in Lesotho was not available to all children until the year 2000 with the
introduction of the Free Primary Education policy. Since then, the huge rise in enrolments,
the abolition of school fees, the effects of new policies and the problems of HIV/AIDS have
expanded the demands on the principal while limited human and financial resources threaten
the quality of education.
This study investigates the role of two principals in the Botha Bothe district in the leadership
and management of teaching and learning as well as the strategies they employ to overcome
the difficulties. Special attention is given to distributed leadership so that accountable,
effective and efficient leadership and management can take place.
Qualitative methodology has been used through instruments such as questionnaires, followup
interviews and observations to obtain data from the principals at the schools, one deputy
principal and three to four teachers each.
The findings indicate that the perceived main role of the principal at both these schools is managing
and leading teaching and learning to the required standard. In both schools, it has been found that
principals share their complex managerial duties with teachers and deputy principals, that most
teachers willingly give of their time to contribute to the success of the school in this way and
understand the need for doing so.
By incorporating and respecting teachers’ contributions to leadership, the study shows how both
principals cope with their particular leadership challenges. While the strategies used can serve as a
guide to others within similar contexts, the researcher suggests that the education authorities in
Lesotho need to be more aware of the problems facing schools, should make sufficient human and
physical resources available to help principals manage the schools properly, and provide for AIDS
orphans adequately.
In addition, support for quality education in the form of ongoing professional development for both
principals and teachers is needed, and more research needs to be conducted related to education issues
in Lesotho.
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Keywords
Leading and managing, Distributed leadership, Instructional leadership, Teaching and learning, Role of the principal