Effect of head teachers’ partnerships collaboration on inclusive education implementation

Abstract

The study investigated effect of head teachers’ partnerships collaboration on inclusive education implementation. Bartalanffy (1969) open systems advocates for head teachers to coordinate partnerships to address the lack of support systems for inclusive education. Descriptive survey was applied, and Chi-square tested the null hypothesis. Questionnaires were administered to 71 head teachers and 297 teachers, supplemented by document analysis. Interview was used on eight Quality Assurance Standards Officers (QASOs) and four Education Assessment Resource Centre Officers (EARCs). Quantitative data was coded and analysed using descriptive statistics, and presented in frequency tables and bar graphs. Qualitative data was coded, transcribed and presented in narrative form. Quantitative and qualitative data findings were discussed in juxtaposition with confirming or refuting the research evidence, and reinforcing the interpretation. The study established that majority of schools lacked well- structured coordinated partnerships. This implied that there was low partnership participation in schools’ programs as referenced by head teachers and teachers on provision for specialized teaching and learning resources, 63.4% and 63.3%; assessment of learners, 64.8% and 70.4%; funds outsourcing, 69% and 69.7%. It was recommended that head teachers should increase capacities in partnerships collaboration, and institute well-structured coordinated framework for partnerships engagement for effective inclusive education implementation.

Keywords

• partnerships collaboration
• inclusive education
• implementation