Evaluation of section heads' performance at Kuwait secondary schools

Purpose - The study attempts to examine the viewpoints of those involved in evaluating the performance of section heads in Kuwait secondary schools; mainly section heads themselves, supervisors and principals. It sets out to determine the strength and weaknesses in the performance evaluation form designed for section heads.Design methodology approach - A study was conducted on a sample of section heads, principals, and supervisors at secondary schools, six educational districts in Kuwait via a 15-item questionnaire.Findings - The sample believe that the performance evaluation form designed for the section head: enables self-evaluation; contributes by content to the principle of self-evaluation; encourages discipline at work by minimizing absence; enables them to develop their performance in the next semester of the study year; contributes to defining training requirement; and encourages taking training courses.Originality value - This study is important for several reasons. First, according to researchers, this is the first field study that examines the viewpoints of section heads, supervisors and principals collectively about the performance evaluation form designed for section heads at secondary schools in the State of Kuwait. Second, it provides recommendations and proposals for designing an evaluation form for section heads based on the outcome of a field survey and previous studies. Third, it helps lay down criteria for selecting and training section heads. Finally, it examines the viewpoints of researched participants involved in the evaluation of section heads, showing potential differences of opinion with regard to the performance evaluation form designed for section heads.