| Summary: | D.Ed. === Major concern has been expressed both nationally and internationally about the effectiveness of schools. Programmes have been put in place to increase school effectiveness, but these seem to have had very little effect. Why have these programmes not increased school effectiveness? Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that most researchers have not asked the stakeholders themselves about their needs regarding school effectiveness. This study has been undertaken in an attempt to provide some answers. This study followed a qualitative research method: administering and processing open-ended questionnaires. There is a need teachers who show evidence of specific caring characteristics such as, inter alia, helpfulness, patience, availability, kindness and responsibility. A number of guidelines and recommendations (based on stakeholder needs identified in this study) on how to develop a caring attitude in schools are suggested. Further research is strongly recommended into aspects such as: needs of learners of different ages and cultures; views of the teachers, principles and parents specifically on school effectiveness in South Africa. PROBLEM: The restructuring of schools and the continuing low pass rate of school-leavers leads one to consider the following question: Is carinq a determining factor in school effectiveness and if so, to what extent are key players aware of it and do they consciously apply it? AIM: To investigate attitudes of key players regarding caring for the learner as a prerequisite for school effectiveness. To investigate the viability of its application in real schools. The research that resulted was exploratory, descriptive and contextual. A data analysis indicates that in present-day schools there is a greater need for individual care than is at present being provided.there is a need teachers who show evidence of specific caring characteristics such as, inter alia, helpfulness, patience, availability, kindness and responsibility. A number of guidelines and recommendations (based on stakeholder needs identified in this study) on how to develop a caring attitude in schools are suggested. Further research is strongly recommended into aspects such as: needs of learners of different ages and cultures; views of the teachers, principles and parents specifically on school effectiveness in South Africa.
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