Challenges of circuit supervisors in supervising underserved public schools in the Awutu Senya West District

Abstract

The research aimed to examine the challenges faced by circuit supervisors in the Awutu Senya West District of Ghana, utilizing a qualitative method with a phenomenological design. Data was collected through focus group discussions and interviews involving fifteen participants, including circuit supervisors and head teachers. Purposive sampling was employed to select nine circuit supervisors and six headteachers from the Awutu Senya West District. The study identified several multi-faceted challenges facing circuit supervisors in the Awutu Senya West District ranging from dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate funding to issues related to professional development, interpersonal dynamics, and time constraints. These challenges collectively contribute to a complex environment that hampers effective supervision in underserved schools which implications of the identified challenges underscore the urgency of intervention and needs swift and targeted interventions are imperative to address these challenges comprehensively. To enhance supervision within the district, there is the need for the district assembly to advocate for and invest in infrastructure improvements, particularly the construction and maintenance of roads to facilitate easier access to underserved schools, the study recommends financial support and logistics provision from the Awutu Senya West District Assembly to support supervision in underserved schools. Again, there should be promotion of positive interpersonal dynamics among supervisors and teachers and ultimately, Awutu West District Assembly and education administrators should forge partnerships with philanthropists, NGOs, and other financial backers to provide immediate support to avert the challenges in supervision in Awutu Senya West District of Ghana.