Exploring the principal's role towards the success of annual national assessment (ANA) in their schools in the Pietermaritzburg area.
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Date
2014
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Abstract
Learner performance today holds a vital importance for an individual’s success in the academic area as well as great significance in the principals, schools and educators lives. This research looked at the success of Annual National Assessment (ANA). The purpose of my study was to find out how principals achieved the successful ANA results at their schools. Therefore, I have explored the principal’s role towards the success of ANA at their schools. The study is focused on primary school principals from urban, semi-urban and rural schools.
The study was conducted through interviews using a qualitative design. Six principals from the Pietermaritzburg area were purposefully chosen according to their ANA results scores for 2012. Two principals were from rural, two from semi-urban and two from urban schools. This selection illustrated the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that hamper learner performance in many schools. An in-depth interview with semi-structured questions was conducted. A tape recorder was used to ensure accurate representation of information. When data was collected the interpretive paradigm was used and the data was qualitatively analysed. Themes which emerged from the data analysis such as teamwork, motivation, mentoring and parental involvement were explained.
The findings of this study conclude that the above mentioned themes were crucial in achieving good results. The study shows that the principal plays a fundamental role in learners and educators lives. It is these roles that are intertwined and shared that create excellent results. The role of the principal together with the staff can make a positive difference in learner achievement.
Description
M. Sc. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2014.
Keywords
School principals., Educational leadership., School management and organization., Theses--Education.