The role of school managers in the implementation of continuous assessment (CASS) in Mopani District

Abstract

Over the past two decades there has been a proliferation of studies on continuous assessment (CASS) aimed at providing a deep understanding of its merits, and the emerging trends and challenges in CASS. It is clear from the body of literature that the enormous challenges working against CASS implementation override its importance. Some of the challenges enumerated in the literature encompass the teachers’ lack of skills in test construction and administration, teachers’ attitudes towards CASS approach, poor record keeping, unbearable workloads, large class sizes, and learner absenteeism. Focus group interviews were conducted with a group of principals, deputy principals and departmental heads. Findings show that to address these challenges a radical leadership and management approach is crucial to provide an effective system that provides for optimum utilisation of staff potential hence creating a positive school climate.