Mulugeta, Befekadu (PhdBerhanu, Fantu2020-09-252023-11-192020-09-252023-11-192020-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/22461The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices and problems of school leadership in secondary schools of Hadiya Zone, SNNPR. To this effect, a descriptive survey method was employed. To collect the relevant data questionnaire, interview and document analysis were used during the study. The data were collected from 7 secondary schools which are found in seven woredas of Hadiya Zone. The schools and woredas were selected by simple random sampling technique. Based on this, a total of 172 teachers were selected by simple random sampling technique. 16 principals, 7 secondary school supervisors, 7 WEOs and 7 PSTA leaders were selected by purposive sampling technique and included as a subject of the study. Questionnaire was prepared to be filled by teachers and principals, and interviews were administered for PSTA leaders, secondary school supervisors and WEOs heads. The collected quantitative data were tabulated and analyzed with the help of frequency, percentage, mean, weighted mean, and t-test. The qualitative data were analyzed by using thematic analysis method. The finding of the study revealed that school leadership practices like inspiring a shared vision, aligning school goals with the national educational statement preparing the school plan, analyzing the school environment before preparing school plan, and encouraging teachers to use different instructional strategies were performed sufficiently. However, creating consensus with stakeholders and staff about the school's goals, encouraging new ideas and creativity, encourage the staff to participate in the school planning, the ability of school leadership to delegate and share responsibilities, and create effective communication between the school and parents practices the school leaderships were deficient to play their respective practice and responsibility. Finally, based on the findings and conclusions, recommendations were the principals must be capable and prominent in the schools to bring common and shared values among the stakeholdersthrough regular meeting, discussion, motivating and developing collaborative activities and provide opportunities for staff members, students, parents, and community members participate in school decision making for the success of teaching learning and achievement of expected result.en-USThe qualitative data were analyzed by using thematic analysis methodThesis