The leadership role of campus managers Tto improve student achievement in further education and training colleges in Mpumalanga

Abstract: Since the advent of a democratic government in 1994, South Africa has been developing an education and training system that meets the needs of a developmental state experiencing high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality. High quality vocational education and training in Further Education and Training (FET) colleges is expected to play a pivotal role in developing a knowledgeable and skilled population able to contribute effectively to the social and economic development of the country. Since 2009, considerable resources have been invested in FET colleges in South Africa. However, despite this increase in resources, the national certification rates of the majority of programmes at FET colleges remain below 50%. Poor student achievement is identified as one of the most pressing challenges in FET colleges. Improving the quality of FET colleges in South Africa, and consequently student achievement, is essential if FET colleges are to meet the demands of skilling the youth for employment. Effective leadership is regarded as essential for successful student achievement at all educational institutions, including FET colleges. The campus manager of an FET college plays a similar leadership role to that of a high school principal and is accountable for the quality of teaching and learning and student achievement. Research suggests that, of all the factors that contribute to student achievement, leadership, together with classroom instruction, is rated as being the most important. Consequently, campus managers must be knowledgeable about how to provide leadership on curriculum matters in order for the college to excel at its core business of teaching and learning. Such managers need to be aware of what leadership roles are necessary in order for them to improve their efficiency and effectiveness especially regarding teaching and learning and student achievement. This study sought to identify successful leadership roles in campus managers and to better understand how these leadership roles and practices can improve student...M.Ed. (Educational Management