Journal of Education & Social Policy

Breaking Out of the Challenging Heights: The Contradictions of Multi-Level Actors’ Decisions for Schools Improvement in the Northern Region of Ghana
Kwame Odei-Tettey (Ph.D.)

Abstract
Policy learning is a critical factor in schools improvement which is enhanced by flexible school governance systems. This phenomenon is discussed in the context of poor schools performance stemming from contradictions in schools decisions making. The paper presents empirical evidence of these contradictions, as well as various theoretical justifications for an alternative model of schools governance necessary for schools improvement. This qualitative research used a case study and multi-method designs, with interviews and focus group discussions as methods to collect data from 3 schools and an educational directorate. The population numbered 53 and, systematic random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 22 respondents. Four levels of qualitative coding were used for data analysis. The findings confirmed the theory that decision-making difficulties impede schools improvement programmes and recommends the: enactment of best decision-making practice guidelines; encouragement of exchange of ideas; and crafting of code of conduct for target setting.

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