Educational administration refers to the process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the activities of an educational institution or system to achieve specific educational goals. It involves the management of both human and material resources in schools, colleges, universities, and other educational settings.

Key Features of Educational Administration:

1. Goal-Oriented: Focuses on achieving the educational objectives set by the institution or education system.

2. Management of Resources: Involves effective utilization of teachers, staff, finances, facilities, and time.

3. Decision-Making: Administrators make strategic decisions about curriculum, staffing, student welfare, and institutional policies.

4. Leadership Role: Provides guidance and leadership to educators, learners, and other stakeholders.

5. Coordination: Ensures smooth coordination between various departments and stakeholders.

6. Accountability: Ensures institutions comply with education laws, standards, and policies.

Core Functions:

• Planning: Setting objectives and determining how to achieve them.

• Organizing: Arranging resources and tasks to implement plans.

• Staffing: Recruiting, training, and evaluating staff.

• Directing: Leading and motivating staff to achieve goals.

• Controlling: Monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments.

Types of Educational Administration:

• Centralized: Decision-making is done at the top (e.g., Ministry of Education).

• Decentralized: Local institutions have more control over decisions.

• Internal: Administration within an institution (e.g., school management).

• External: Oversight from bodies outside the institution (e.g., school boards, education ministries).