Topic 1
Topic 1
CATEGORIES OF ASSESMENT
1. Formative assessment
-On-going monitoring: implement regular, informal assessments such as quizzes, classroom
discussions, and observational checklists to monitor student progress and inform instruction.
-Feedback mechanisms: provide timely and specific feedback to students to help them understand
their strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Summative assessment
- End-of-term exams: use standardized tests, final exams, and major projects to evaluate student learning at
the end of a term or school year.
- Cumulative assessments: design assessments that cover a broad range of content learned over an
extended period to gauge overall student achievement. (CATS)
3. Performance-based assessment
- Project-based learning: assess students through projects that require the application of
knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
- Portfolios: use student portfolios to evaluate on-going work and progress over time, highlighting
both process and product.
4. Diagnostic assessment
- Pre-assessments: School administrators should ensure that their teachers conduct diagnostic tests
at the beginning of a class, lesson or topic to identify students’ prior knowledge and skills, allowing
for tailored instruction.
- Intervention planning: they should guide the teachers in using diagnostic data to plan targeted
interventions for students who need additional support.
5. Self and peer assessment
-Self-reflection: they encourage students to assess their own work and reflect on their learning
processes and outcomes.
- Peer feedback: implement peer assessment practices where students evaluate each other’s work, fostering
collaborative learning and critical thinking highlighting both process and product.
TOPIC 3
SCHOOL PLAN MANAGEMENT
CONTENTS;
• PLANNING AND DESIGNING SCHOOL FACILITIES
• Ensuring Adequate Learning Spaces
• Accessibility and safety considerations
• MAINTAINANCE AND UPKEEP
• Regular Inspection
• Budgeting Foe facility management
• UTILIZATION OF SPACE
• Efficient use of classrooms and other facilities
• Scheduling and space allocation.
SCHOOL PLAN MANAGEMENT
• Involves planning, organizing, directing and controlling resources to manage education Institutions.
• Planning is setting objectives and determining a course of action for achieving those objectives.
ROLE OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENT IN PLANNING
• Setting school vision and Strategy
• Curriculum design and Implementation
• Organisation of personnel and material conditions
• Evaluation of School performance
• School improvement. (Plan, do, check, action)
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING SCHOOL BUILDING
• Age Groups an number of Students (determine lay out and size)
• Preferences and needs of the students
• Urban planning policies, trends and designs
• Risk factors in Construction; they include
Safety Measures
Impact on school environment
Water Supply
Competent constructor
Ventilation
Energy consumption
Insulation materials
ENSURING ADEQUATE LEARNING SPACES
• Learning space: Where learning is to take place.
Types of Learning Space
• Physical space
• Virtual space
Examples of Learning Space
Classrooms
Library
Computer rooms
Home economics rooms
Art rooms
Consultation Area/ Specialist rooms
Field/ Games/ Sport halls
Creating a Successful Modern Learning Space
• Involvement off all key stakeholders in decision making i.e. students, teachers, parents etc. who will
care and maintain it.
• Make every space a learning space i.e. hallways, auditoriums
• Repurpose existing items for the classrooms, using available resources meaningfully.
• Support and manage technology.
• Differentiate spaces for all types of learning
• Provide excellent professional development…IT Utilization
• Using universal principles and practices (involving experts)
ACCESSIBILTY AND SAFETY CONSIDERATION
ACCESSIBLITY: ENSURE EVERYONE CAN USE THE FACILITIES
• BOM conducting periodic reviews of the accessibility of the building and completing the
corrective measures
• Moving obstruction, finding appropriate storage or disposing obsolete furniture/ Equipment
• Using Colours in School buildings with careful considerations.
• Corridors/ walking pathways to be planned to minimize long travel distances.
• Vertical movements on storey building i.e. stairs, Lifts, to accommodate all students
• Lighting
• Assistive Technology for learners i.e. physically impaired
• Raising Awareness
• Evacuation.
AWARENESS/ EVACUATION
Raising Awareness
• Provide Information on accessibility i.e. parking lot, access routes
• Give accessibility details on School website,
• Ensure school trips accessible to all
EVACUATION
• Making students aware of evacuation procedure
• Having an Assembly point
• Emergency routes
• Escape doors, windows etc.
• Use of both visual and audible alarm systems
MAINTAINANCE AND UPKEEP
Maintenance Routines
(i) Regularly Cleaning
(ii) Ensuring Circulation routes are kept clear of obstruction
(iii) Maintaining doors/ windows closers to keep opening forces to a minimum
(iv) Using clear and legible signage/ Updating signal when the way to a building changes.
(v)Implementing routine inspections and preventive maintenance on school machines,
equipment, buildings etc.
Budgeting For Facility Maintenance
• Identify Critical areas requiring maintenance (Prioritize maintenance needs)
• Implement routine inspection and preventive maintenance.
• Utilize Technology
• Invest in sustainable solutions i.e. solar energy, bio gas
• Collaborate with local communities
• Training and empowering staff
• Seek grants and Funds
• Regular Evaluation and adaptation.
Scheduling And Space Allocation
• Ensure that annual timetabling process that allocate students classes and rooms
• Ensure that the requirements of students are considered when buying equipment i.e. those with
disabilities.
TOPIC 2
EMPHASIS ON SECONDARY SCHOOL PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
A) Recruitment and Selection of Staff
Developing Job Descriptions and Specifications
When recruiting secondary school teachers, job descriptions and specialization requirements need to be
clearly defined to attract qualified candidates.
Job Description for Secondary School Teachers
1. Job Title
- Secondary School Teacher (Specify Subject Area if applicable, e.g., Mathematics, English, Science)
2. Job Summary
- Provide an overview of the role, including the main purpose and key responsibilities.
3. Key Responsibilities
a) Plan and deliver lessons in accordance with the curriculum.
b) Develop and implement engaging and effective teaching strategies.
c) Assess and evaluate students' progress through assignments, exams, and projects.
d) Provide feedback to students and support their academic and personal development.
e) Maintain classroom discipline and create a positive learning environment.
f) Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders to support student success.
g) Participate in professional development opportunities.
h) Undertake additional duties such as supervising extracurricular activities, attending meetings, and
participating in school events.
4. Qualifications
a) Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field. Specialization or
major in the subject area they will teach.
b) Certifications: Teaching certification or license relevant to the state or country of employment.
c) Experience: Prior teaching experience is often preferred. Specific years of experience may
be required depending on the institution.
By implementing a comprehensive orientation and induction process, schools can help new teachers feel
welcomed, supported, and equipped to succeed in their new roles.
B) Professional Development
In-Service Training Program for Secondary Teachers
An effective in-service training program helps secondary teachers stay current with educational best
practices, refine their teaching skills, and enhance their professional growth.
Factors to consider when designing an in-service program may include:
1. Needs Assessment
- Conduct surveys and interviews with teachers to identify their training needs and interests.
- Analyze student performance data and classroom observations to pinpoint areas for improvement.
2. Program Objectives
Define clear, measurable goals for the training program (e.g., improve student engagement, enhance
technology integration, and develop assessment literacy).
3. Training Modules
a) Subject-Specific Training: Deep dives into the latest developments and pedagogical strategies
for different subjects.
b) Classroom Management: Strategies for maintaining a positive and productive
classroom environment.
c) Instructional Strategies: Training on differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and
inquiry-based approaches.
d) Assessment and Evaluation: Techniques for formative and summative assessments, data-driven
instruction.
e) Educational Technology: Training on integrating digital tools and resources into teaching.
f) Inclusive Education: Strategies for teaching diverse learners, including special education
needs and cultural responsiveness.
g) Professional Skills: Leadership development, communication skills, and collaboration techniques.
4. Delivery Methods
a) Workshops and Seminars: Interactive sessions led by experts or experienced educators.
b) Online Courses: Self-paced or instructor-led courses that provide flexibility.
c) Webinars and Virtual Meetings: Regular online sessions to share knowledge and experiences.
d) Peer Learning Groups: Collaborative learning sessions where teachers can share best practices
and challenges.
5. Implementation Schedule
- Develop a calendar that includes regular in-service days, summer institutes, and after-school sessions.
- Ensure a balance between intensive training periods and ongoing, sustainable professional
development.
6. Assessment and Feedback
- Regularly assess the effectiveness of the training through surveys, feedback forms, and
classroom observations.
- Adjust the program based on feedback and emerging needs
Mentoring and Coaching Programs
Mentoring Program
Purpose:
- Support new and less experienced teachers by pairing them with veteran teachers to provide guidance,
support, and professional growth.
Structure:
1. Selection of Mentors
- Choose experienced, exemplary teachers who demonstrate strong teaching skills and a willingness to
support colleagues.
2. Mentor-Mentee Pairing
- Pair mentors with mentees based on subject area, grade level, and personality compatibility.
3. Orientation and Training
- Provide training for mentors on effective mentoring techniques, communication skills, and setting
professional goals.
4. Regular Meetings
- Schedule regular, structured meetings between mentors and mentees to discuss challenges, share
resources, and set goals.
5. Observation and Feedback
- Encourage mentors to observe mentees’ classrooms and provide constructive feedback.
- Allow mentees to observe mentors and other experienced teachers.
6. Professional Development
- Offer joint professional development opportunities for mentors and mentees to attend together.
7. Evaluation
- Collect feedback from both mentors and mentees to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and
make necessary adjustments.
Coaching Program
Purpose:
- Provide ongoing, individualized support to teachers to help them improve specific aspects of their
practice.
Structure:
1. Identification of Coaches
- Select experienced teachers or instructional coaches with expertise in specific areas such as literacy,
technology, or classroom management.
2. Initial Assessment
- Conduct an initial assessment to identify the teacher’s strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Goal Setting
- Work with the teacher to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART)
goals.
4. Personalized Coaching Plan
- Develop a tailored coaching plan that includes regular observations, feedback sessions, and action
steps.
5. Ongoing Support
- Schedule regular coaching sessions, including classroom observations, co-teaching opportunities, and
reflective discussions.
6. Resource Sharing
- Provide teachers with resources such as lesson plans, instructional materials, and articles.
7. Progress Monitoring
- Continuously monitor progress towards goals, providing ongoing feedback and adjusting the coaching
plan as needed.
8. Evaluation
- Collect data and feedback to assess the impact of coaching on teaching practices and student
outcomes.
Key Considerations
A. Sustainability: Ensure programs are sustainable by securing ongoing funding and
administrative support
B. Inclusivity: Design programs that are inclusive and cater to the diverse needs of all teachers.
C. Collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement among staff.
D. Recognition: Recognize and celebrate the achievements and progress of teachers involved
in these programs.
By implementing comprehensive in-service training, mentoring, and coaching programs, schools can
significantly enhance the professional development of their secondary teachers, leading to improved
teaching practices and better student outcomes.
C) Performance Appraisal
o Setting Performance Standards
o Conducting Evaluations and Feedback
Conducting Teacher Evaluations and Providing Feedback
1. Preparation
Establish Clear Criteria: Ensure that all evaluation criteria and standards are well-documented and shared
with teachers in advance.
Training for Evaluators: Provide training for administrators and peers involved in the evaluation process
to ensure consistency and fairness.
Self-Evaluation: Encourage teachers to complete a self-evaluation to reflect on their own performance
and identify areas for growth.
2. Evaluation Process
Classroom Observations
a) Pre-Observation Conference: Discuss the lesson plan and objectives with the teacher beforehand.
b) Observation: Conduct the observation focusing on instructional strategies,
classroom management, and student engagement.
c) Post-Observation Conference: Provide immediate feedback, discuss observations, and allow
the teacher to reflect on the lesson.
Student Performance Data
Analysis: Review student performance data, including test scores, assignments, and progress over time.
Discussion: Discuss how the teacher’s instructional strategies impact student learning outcomes.
Peer Reviews
Peer Observations: Incorporate peer observations as part of the evaluation process.
Collaborative Feedback: Use feedback from peers to provide a well-rounded view of the teacher’s
performance.
Surveys and Feedback
Student Surveys: Collect feedback from students about their learning experiences and the teacher’s
effectiveness.
Parent Surveys: Gather input from parents on communication and student progress.
3. Feedback
Constructive Feedback
Specific and Actionable: Provide feedback that is specific, focused on observable behaviors, and includes
actionable suggestions.
Balanced: Highlight strengths as well as areas for improvement to provide a balanced perspective.
Professional Development
Customized Plans: Develop individualized professional development plans based on the evaluation
results.
Follow-Up: Schedule follow-up meetings to review progress and provide ongoing support.
4. Continuous Improvement
Regular Check-Ins: Conduct regular check-ins to discuss progress and adjust goals as needed.
Mentorship and Coaching: Offer mentorship and coaching opportunities for continuous professional
growth.
D) Staff Relations
o Conflict Resolution Strategies for teachers
1. Early Intervention
Proactive Communication: Foster open lines of communication to address issues before they escalate.
Mediation: Act as a neutral mediator to help conflicting parties express their concerns and work towards a
resolution.
2. Understanding the Conflict
Identify the Root Cause: Understand the underlying issues and concerns driving the conflict.
Active Listening: Listen actively to all parties involved, showing empathy and understanding.
3. Collaborative Problem-Solving
Set Ground Rules: Establish rules for respectful communication and ensure that everyone has an
opportunity to speak.
Explore Solutions: Work together to brainstorm possible solutions and evaluate their feasibility.
4. Implementing Solutions
Agreement: Reach a mutually acceptable agreement and outline the steps to implement the solution.
Follow-Up: Monitor the situation to ensure the solution is effective and make adjustments as necessary.
Conflict Resolution Steps
1. Preparation
Private Meeting: Arrange a private meeting with the parties involved to discuss the conflict.
Neutral Setting: Choose a neutral location to ensure a comfortable and unbiased environment.
2. Dialogue
Opening Statements Allow each party to share their perspective without interruption
Clarify Issues: Summarize the key points and clarify misunderstandings.
3. Negotiation
Identify Interests: Focus on the interests and needs of each party rather than their positions.
Generate Options: Encourage brainstorming of multiple options to address the conflict.
4. Agreement
Mutual Agreement: Work towards a solution that satisfies the needs of all parties.
Written Agreement: Document the agreed-upon solution and outline the responsibilities of each party.
5. Implementation and Follow-Up
Action Plan: Develop a clear action plan with specific steps and timelines.
Review: Schedule follow-up meetings to review progress and address any ongoing issues.
Promoting a Positive School Culture
Promoting a positive school culture is a multifaceted endeavor that involves intentional efforts to create a
supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment for all members of the school community. Here’s a
detailed approach to promoting positive school culture:
2. Develop a Clear Vision and Shared Values
Vision Statement: Craft a compelling vision statement that articulates the desired culture of the school,
emphasizing values such as respect, empathy, collaboration, and excellence.
Shared Values: Identify core values that define the school's culture and guide behaviors and decisions.
Ensure these values are communicated and upheld consistently by all stakeholders.
3. Leadership and Modeling
Positive Leadership: School leaders should exemplify the desired culture through their actions, decisions,
and interactions with students, staff, and parents.
Professional Development: Provide leadership training and ongoing professional development
opportunities for administrators and teachers to strengthen their skills in fostering positive relationships
and nurturing a positive school culture.
4. Build Positive Relationships
Student-Teacher Relationships: Foster strong, supportive relationships between students and teachers
based on trust, respect, and care. Encourage teachers to know their students individually and
demonstrate genuine interest in their well-being and success.
Peer Relationships: Promote a culture of inclusivity and kindness among students. Implement programs
and activities that encourage peer support, collaboration, and mutual respect.
5. Effective Communication
Transparent Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication channels between school
leadership, teachers, students, and parents. Ensure that information is shared promptly and effectively.
Feedback Mechanisms: Establish formal and informal feedback mechanisms to solicit input from
stakeholders on school culture, policies, and practices. Use feedback to make informed decisions and
improvements.
6. Promote Inclusivity and Diversity
Cultural Competence: Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff to enhance
their cultural competence and ability to support a diverse student body.
Celebrate Diversity: Recognize and celebrate the cultural backgrounds, traditions, and achievements of
students and staff through school-wide events, multicultural days, and curriculum integration.
7. Encourage Student Engagement and Ownership
Student Voice: Empower students to actively participate in decision-making processes that impact their
educational experience and school environment.
Leadership Opportunities: Create opportunities for students to take on leadership roles within the school
community, such as student councils, peer mentoring programs, and community service initiatives.
8. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
Physical Environment: Ensure that school facilities are safe, clean, and conducive to learning. Maintain a
welcoming atmosphere that promotes a sense of belonging.
Emotional and Mental Health Support: Provide resources and services to support students' emotional and
mental well-being, including counseling, peer support programs, and wellness initiatives.
9. Celebrate Achievements and Milestones
Recognition Programs: Establish programs to recognize and celebrate academic achievements,
extracurricular accomplishments, and acts of kindness or leadership.
Ceremonies and Events: Hold ceremonies, assemblies, and special events to honor students, staff, and
parents for their contributions to the school community.
10. Continuous Improvement
Assessment and Reflection: Regularly assess the school culture through surveys, assessments, and focus
groups to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement.
Professional Learning Communities: Foster collaboration among teachers and staff through professional
learning communities (PLCs) where they can share best practices, reflect on their teaching, and collaborate
on innovative ideas.
11. Community Engagement
Partnerships: Forge partnerships with parents, community organizations, businesses, and local leaders to
enrich the educational experiences and resources available to students.
Volunteerism: Encourage and facilitate volunteer opportunities for parents and community members to
contribute to the school’s success and strengthen ties with the broader community.
By implementing these strategies consistently and collaboratively, schools can cultivate a positive school
culture that enhances student engagement, supports academic success, and nurtures the well-being of all
members of the school community.
● Principal's Responsibilities
o Leadership and Vision
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o Staff Management and Development
o Student Discipline and Welfare
o Curriculum Implementation and Oversight
● Ministry of Education Officials' Roles
o Policy Development and Implementation
o Providing Training and Resources
o Monitoring and Evaluating School Performance
o Ensuring Compliance with Educational Standards
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vi. As leaders they embrace changes to new ideas, technology and teaching methods
that can improve education delivery. They also demonstrate resilience and
adaptability in face of unforeseen challenges like pandemics, changes in
education policies
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v. Building strong relationships with parents and the community to support the
student’s overall development. E.g. they facilitate parent-teacher meetings
vi. Developing clear, fair and consistent disciplinary policies to ensure that students are
understand the consequences of their behavior and that the disciplinary actions are
fairly administered
vii. Mediating conflicts between students and teachers and promoting conflict resolution
skills among students
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Lead by example and demonstrate commitment to curriculum implementation by
actively participating in professional development, staying informed about
educational trends and modeling best practices in instruction and leadership
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ii. Communicating and training – awareness campaigns to inform the public, educators and
students about the new policy and its implications are conducted to avoid resistance. Training
programs and workshops are organized to prepare the educators and the administrators for
changes introduced by the policy are organized
iii. Monitoring and support – regular supervision of the implementation process is done to
ensure compliance with policy guidelines are done. Support services are provided to
schools and educators through additional training, technical assistance, and advisory
services to ensure effectiveness
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iv. Evaluation and feedback – mechanisms for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the
policy’s impact and effectiveness are established. Feedback loops are created to gather
input for educators, students and other stakeholders on the implementation process
v. Adjustments and improvements – using the data and feedback, necessary adjustments to the
policy and implementation strategies are made. Successful pilot programs are identified and
scaled up or wider implementation.
The officials ensure that educators receive high quality, relevant and effective professional
development thus enhancing the overall quality of education by;
i. Establishing policy standards and frameworks that guide professional development programs
through defining competencies and outcomes expected from educators. They also develop and
approve the curriculum that align with educational goals and needs thus ensuring that training
programs are relevant and effective
ii. Allocating funds for professional development programs and providing necessary materials,
tools and platforms required for effective professional development
iii. Coordinating the implementation of professional programs and working with schools to
ensure smooth execution. They also support the educators through mentoring and coaching to
assist them in applying new skills and knowledge
iv. Monitoring and evaluating the professional development programs to ensure they meet
quality standards and achieve desired outcomes through collecting feedback and assessing the
impact on teaching practices and hence make continuous improvement to professional
development programs.
v. Collaborating and engaging various stakeholders including teachers’ unions, universities,
international bodies etc. to enhance the quality and reach of professional development e.g. TPD
modules offered by KU, MKU, KEMI etc. In this case they build networks where educators can
share experiences, resources and best practices
vi. Overseeing certification and accreditation of professional development programs thus
ensuring they are recognized and valued within the education system
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vii. Encouraging the adoption of innovative teaching methods and technologies (e-learning
platforms) to facilitate continuous and accessible professional development opportunities
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B. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OFFICIALS ROLES IN MONITORING AND
EVALUATING SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
The ministry plays a vital role in monitoring and evaluating school performance to ensure
educational quality, continuous improvement on performance and accountability among school
administrators by;
i. Establishing and defining clear educational standards, performance benchmarks and
learning outcomes for schools to achieve. Also sets a criteria for teacher performance
(teacher appraisals), student achievement and school management
ii. Collecting data on various aspects of school performance, including student test scores,
graduation rates, attendance and dropout rates and identify the trends, strengths and areas
needing improvement
iii. Conducting regular school inspections and audits to assess compliance with educational
standards and policies and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching practices, school
management and resource utilization
iv. Conducting performance assessments by evaluating teacher performance through lesson
observations, students’ feedback and professional development activities as well as
implementing standardized testing programs to measure student’s learning outcomes
v. Providing detailed reports and feedback to schools based on evaluation findings
and communicating performance results to the parents, communities, policy
makers and school administrators
vi. Requiring schools to develop and implement improvement plans based on
evaluation and supporting them with resources, training and guidance to achieve
their improvement goals
The ministry of education officials (Quality Assurance and Standards Officers-QASO) ensures
that educational institutions meet and maintain the required standards and deliver high-quality
education and continuously improve to meet the evolving needs of students and society
through;
i. Establishing standards and regulations that schools and other educational institutions
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must follow and develop policies that outline the requirements for the curriculum,
teaching methods, assessment, infrastructure and students outcomes
ii. Communicating the standards and expectations clearly to all stakeholders including
schools, administrators, teachers, parents and students to ensure that the standards are
realistic and achievable.
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iii. Identifying and promoting the best practices in education which align with
compliance standards and improve educational outcomes. For instance, provide
professional development opportunities focused on compliance-related topics to
help educators and administrators understand and implement the standards
effectively
iv. Conducting regular inspections and audits to assess the compliance with the
established standards, gather and analyze data on various aspects of education i.e.
students’ performance, teacher qualifications and resource allocation to monitor
and evaluate adherence to the standards
v. Providing guidance and technical assistance to schools to help them
meet compliance requirements like training, resources and best practice
models
vi. Enforcing compliance through various measures such as issuing warnings,
imposing penalties or even closing non- compliant institutions. Also establishing
accountability systems that hold schools and educators responsible for meeting
standards including performance evaluations and reporting requirements
vii. Identify issues of non-compliance through inspections, audits and reports and
then develop intervention plans to address them and offer support and resources
to help institutions meet standards
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