The role of the school management teams in improving the Grade 12 pass rate in the Nkomazi East Circuit

Abstract: The quality of leadership makes a significant difference to schools and learner outcomes and there is recognition that schools require effective leaders and managers if they are to provide the best possible education for their learners (Bush, 2007). The ever-changing education system of South Africa has a serious impact on the functionality of education in this country. The accelerated rate of change in the curriculum places the onus on schools to provide quality education. It also places the responsibility of managing teaching and learning amongst the School Management Teams and educators. This qualitative research study sought to explore and understand the role of the SMT’s in improving the Grade 12 pass rate in the Nkomazi East Circuit. The study focused on four high schools in the circuit which were purposefully sampled to provide an overview of leadership roles and management of teaching and learning, and to establish whether they take direct responsibility for the management of teaching and learning. A thorough examination of the roles of the School Management Teams (Principals, Deputy Principals and Heads of Departments), as outlined in the South African legislation and in current literature, was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the School Management Teams of the four high schools and observations of the daily practices of the four high schools were made. A document analysis was also carried out to verify and inform data collected during the interviews. Different themes emerged from the study. The first theme that emerged was the role of the Heads of Departments in improving the Grade 12 pass rate. This theme revealed that Heads of Departments have a role to play in the improvement of the Grade 12 pass rate and the roles included monitoring, moderation of teachers’ work and providing class support to teachers. The theme also revealed that, although Heads of Departments are instructional leaders, they are expected to engage themselves in class teaching. In a nutshell, the first theme revealed the dual role of the Heads of Departments as instructional leaders first and on the other hand they are expected to teach or engage in class teaching. The study recommended that for the Grade 12 pass rate to improve the SMT’s have to play their roles as instructional leaders.M.Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management