The Planning Principles of Secondary School Principals for Quality Assurance in Nigeria Schools

Abstract

Planning involves the mapping out or charting of activities, aimed at satisfying human wants. Thus, planning is goal directed. This paper x-rayed the concept of planning, stages in planning. Process of educational planning. It also considers the importance of educational planning and principles of educational planning, with special focus on the Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely (SMART) principle of planning. It also examined how a secondary school principal can successfully use these principles in administering the school. The paper concludes that planning is essential for long term survival of any organization. It recommends, among others, that principals should be trained on how to apply systematic educational planning principle to enhance their administrative performance. This can be done through capacity building, workshops and seminars for secondary school principals. Also, government, through Ministry of Education should try to appoint principals who are knowledgeable in educational: planning, to enhance decision-making process and effective planning of activities in secondary schools.