EVALUATION ROLE OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL HEADTEACHERS IN GHANA: DOES GENDER AND SCHOOL LOCATION MATTER?

Abstract

The evaluation function of Senior High School heads in Ghana has been of grave concern to stakeholders especially in the midst of major transformation in the education system like Free SHS and Double track system. This study examined the evaluative role of SHS headteachers in Ghana. The study further investigated the influence of gender and school location on the performance of the evaluative role of the headteachers. A cross sectional data was taken through the administration of questionnaires to 1,397 teachers in SHS in Ghana. One sample t-test and Two-way analysis of variance (2x2 ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses. The study revealed that SHS headteachers were rated high in terms of performing their evaluation function, t(1396)=70.501, p<.001. Gender [F(1, 1393)=9.580, p=.002.] and school location [F(1, 1393)=3.847, p=.049] were found to influence headteachers execution of the evaluative function. No significant interaction effect was found between gender and school location in teachers rating of the evaluation role of their headteachers, F(1, 1393)=.082, p=.775. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that GES should provide adequate support not only for headteachers but to teachers in the rural schools to ensure the effective running of the school. Again, special training and orientation should be given to male headteachers on their roles as head of schools.