Principals' experiences in managing curriculum in secondary schools in Mopani district

Abstract

Changes in education policy and legislation due to changes in government require from principals to cope with and adapt to new demands in their curriculum management. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of secondary schools principals with regard to their management of the curriculum. The researcher used Mintzberg?s theory to explain the decision-making roles of principals in managing the curriculum in secondary schools. The findings from this research could assist Basic Department of education and school districts in addressing some of the challenges that principals encounter in managing the curriculum and help to introduce management programmes and strategies that will improve principals? curriculum management skills. The study in hand is a qualitative research study conducted within the interpretive paradigm. A case study of two schools was sampled purposively and in-depth interviews were conducted with the principal of each school. The two interviewees reported a range of experiences in their curriculum management. Curriculum documents that were used included peer-reviewed journals, articles, books and documents published by Provincial and National Department of Basic Education. The study suggests that effective curriculum implementation, monitoring, negotiation, and resource allocation provide the basis for curriculum management. The researcher recommends that in-service training should be conducted on curriculum matters to ensure quality education in schools.