The impact of the EQUIP programme on school management teams in two rural schools

Abstract

This study deals with the impact of the Education Quality Improvement Partnerships programme (EQUIP) on school management teams in two rural schools where it was implemented for three years. A qualitative evaluative research design was used involving initial baseline studies, document analysis, observation and eight naïve sketches. The literature study discusses factors that constitute effective management and leadership and characteristics of effective schools. The findings were based on an analysis of the impact of the EQUIP programme on the key performance areas of school management before and after the intervention. Important conclusions derived from this study showed that there was significant improvement in the way schools were managed after the intervention, particularly in achieving the goals of the schools' strategic plans. It was also found that curriculum monitoring was only partially successful and that remedial programmes for learners with reading and other learning challenges needs serious attention.