Educational Planning in the Context of Decentralization in Benishangul Gumuz
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Date
2011-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The general objective of this study is to examine the practice of educational
planning in context of decentralization, to identify the major problems and to
provide possible recommendations to be considered by responsible bodies so that
decentralized educational planning in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State will be
improved. In order to meet the objective of this study the descriptive survey
research method was employed. Questionnaires, group discussion, interviews,
and document analysis are data collecting instruments of this study. The s ample
population comprised of a total of 316 respondents; 40 from regional education
bureau and zonal education offices, 60 from woreda education and capacity
building offices, 216 respondents from 24 schools. In addition, 18 Parent
Teachers Association members and 2 experts from finance and economic
development bureau were part of the sample. To select respondents, simple
random and purposive sampling techniques were employed. The data gathered
were interpreted and analyzed by using statistical techniques such as frequ ency,
pe rcentage, mean value and standard deviation. The findings of the study
revealed that there was: no responsible unit for educational planning activities a t
lower administrative tiers; poor participation of stakeholders in planning proces s;
no approval of final educational plan document; no clear procedures for plan
formulation; implementation and evaluation; poor linkage between the
preparation of annual plan and the preparation of the annual budget ; lack of
timely availability of human, financial and material resources and inefficient
plan evaluation system. Based on the findings this study has arrived the
following conclusions: at different administrative tiers in the region there was 110
adequate organizational structure for planning; there was lack of legislation and
supporting decrees that guide planning process; there was low participation of
stakeholders in planning process; and poor efficiency of the educational plan
evaluation system. Moreover at regional and woreda levels the final plan
document was not approved by any authority, and at woreda and school le vels
there was shortage of budget for education sector. Based on the above findings
and conclusions it was recommended that: the regional education bureau in
collaboration with the regional capacity building and civil service bureau should
restructure the planning units at different administrative tiers; the regional
education bureau in collaboration with bureau of finance and economic
development should develop guide line for plan formulation, implementation and
evaluation; the regional education bureau should create enabling policy
environment for donor agencies and private sector; the educational institution at
different administrative tiers in the region should involve respective finance and
economic development office in their planning process; the regional bu reau in
collaboration with the woreda education and capacity building oJfices and
capacity building and civil service bureau should strengthen the capacity of EMIS
at woreda level; the regional education bureau and woreda education and
capacity building offices should approve the plan documents by constitutionally
or legally empowered bodies.
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Keywords
Educational Planning