Main Article Content
Abstract
The study was designed to investigate the application of total quality management principles for continuous improvement of Secondary Schools in Anambra State. The study was carried out in the 257 Secondary Schools in Anambra State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was guided by three research questions. The total population of the study was 6536; consisting of 257 Principals and 6279 teachers in public Secondary Schools in Anambra State (Source: Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) unit of Post-Primary Schools Service Commission, Awka; June 2017). The sample was made up of 77 Principals and 1884 teachers, making a total of 1961 respondents. The sample was drawn using proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Stratification was based on the already existing six education zones in the state. Data was collected using structured questionnaire of 20 items, validated by three experts with a reliability index of 0.84, 0.79 and 0.77 for the three sections respectively which were obtained using Crombach alpha co-efficient. All the 1961 copies of the instrument distributed were duly filled and retrieved, representing 100 percent return rate. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed among others, that principals provided the opportunity for teachers to acquire on the job training principles that enhanced continuous improvement in Secondary Schools in the state. However, the study further revealed that teachers are not sponsored for conferences in their areas of specialization. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made which include: that the Ministry of education through the principals should annually make funds available for teachers’ conferences and seminars to enable them update their knowledge especially in the area of application of TQMPS for continuous improvement of the school system in Anambra State.