LEADERSHIP PRACTICES AMONGST HEADMASTERS OF C ACCREDITED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE REGION OF PASER INDONESIA

Abstract

This research intended to investigate and assess the leadership practices amongst headmasters of C accredited primary schools in the region of Paser, Indonesia. The qualitative research approach was employed in the form of a case study research design. The respondent selection was carried out through the purposive sampling method resulting in the choosing of three primary school headmasters from the region of Paser, Indonesia. The instruments utilized for data collection purposes comprised of interview, observation and document analysis. Research result demonstrated that the three headmasters as school leaders practiced several of the traits proposed in the instructional leadership and leadership strategies theories. The elements that were observed practiced by the headmasters include planning and disseminating school goals, planning teaching management programmes, supervising and assessing teaching programmes, monitoring students’ progress, controlling study period, encouraging professional development, maintaining participation in activities, emphasizing academic excellence, preparing incentives for students as well as evaluating the overall school climate. Nevertheless, the research also noted that the headmasters did forgo some of the elements namely evaluating school goals, supervising the curriculum as well as formulating incentives for the teachers. Moreover, said headmasters also faced numerous challenges in practicing leadership qualities. These challenges met by the C accredited primary school headmasters in the Paser region include student, teachers, and parents related problems, as well as infrastructure deficiencies. The research thus implied that the leadership characteristics demonstrated by the three participating headmasters could be used as a reference point by other school leaders in Indonesia. Apart from that, the research also urges the ministry of education to take initiative in tackling the aforementioned challenges confronted by headmasters in general.