Headteacher Support Groups Initiative within the Prism Project Kenya

The Primary School Management (PRISM) project is a Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) project funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) of the UK, and managed locally by the Centre for British Teachers (CFBT). The purpose of this study was to examine the operation of the Headteacher Support Groups (HTSGs). HTSGs have been and continue to be formed as a result of PRISM training, with the purpose of adding to the body of knowledge related to headteachers' management training and development. The study focused on five themes, namely, primary school management, impact on the school community's involvement, sustainability of headteachers' management and development, reducing poverty, and increasing economic prosperity. The study looked into the operation of twenty selected HTSGs representing ten districts selected from the following regions: ASAL, remote, coastal, pockets of poverty in an advantaged district and urban areas. Two HTSGs were studied in each district. The target groups were the Headteachers, Teachers' Zonal Inspectors, District Inspectors, Teachers Advisory Centre, Tutors, Chairpersons of School Committees and civic leaders. Data for the study was collected using interview schedules and focus group discussions (FGDS). The findings of this study show that there was poor representation of women in HTSGs. Frequent consultations between headteachers and respective communities on educational issues were taking place in schools. There was networking amongst headteachers. HTSGs have led to increased enrolment and completion rates in all districts studied, especially for girls; however, dropout rates remain high in many districts surveyed except for the ASAL districts. Communities in general still play very little role in administrative matters of the Primary Schools.