M.Ed. (Educational Management) / The Namibian educational system is confronted with the problem of a high failure rate. By analysing the situation, the following come to light: * The schools previously under the jurisdiction of the administration of Whites,· Coloureds and the - Rehoboth Basters, have the best qualified teachers as well as a very high pass rate. * The schools who were previously under the jurisdiction of the administration of the Ovambos, - Hereros, - Damaras,- Kavangos,- Namas and - Tswanas, have a high concentration of underqualified and unqualified teachers. The very high failure rate in these areas can, to a certain extent, be attributed to this phenomenon. If it is taken into account that 64% of the school-going population are situated in these areas, the situation can be described as a disaster. In view of the above it seems that there is a definite correlation between the professional competence of the teacher and the performance of the pupils under his care. For this very important reason everything possible must be done to enable the teacher to execute his or her duties in a professional and competent manner. In this regard the subject advisors have a vital role to play. The present role of subject advisors should be changed. Subject advisors should reallocate their services into areas where it is most needed. Subject advisors should focus their attention to the general improvement of the pedagogical and methodological ability of serving teachers. This can be done by implementing an effective staff development program. In order to succeed such an in-service training program has to be carefully and systematically planned and executed in accordance with each teachers individual needs, skills and capabilities as well as his level of academic and professional development. To enable the subject advisor to assess the need of the teachers under his control he will have to establish a climate of trust so that the teachers shall feel free to ask for advice without the fear that their difficulties shall become further known. To succesfully execute their management task, subject advisors should have a thorough knowledge of the management task they must perform. It is therefore necessary that subject advisors should undergo practical and theoretical training in educational management. It is clear that the present role of subject advisors should be changed. There ,should be a marked shift in emphasis from the controlling and supervisory function to an advisory function. The emphasis should be on staff development...