Staff Development in Rural Schools in South Africa: Experiences of Principals in Uthungulu District

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this paper is to report on staff development practices at various rural secondary schools in South Africa. Apart from a literature review on staff development in schools, the paper reports on a study in which empirical investigation based on quantitative research paradigm was used to collect data from principals of rural secondary schools in uThungulu district. The literature findings revealed that staff development is a critical component of school practice in many schools in South Africa. The study is concluded by the submission that it is essential for principals to be trained in the provision of staff development programs, and failure can have a negative effect on new curriculum initiatives in the country.