Improve School Performance Research Articles

Using Instructional Supervision to improve Learners’ Performance in Eswatini High Schools

The primary objective of this study was to determine how instructional leadership is being used empirically in Eswatini and to establish whether it significantly impacts the performance of high school learners. This research employed a qualitative research methodology to gather data for the investigation. The sample comprised five principals and five deputy principals of five high schools in the Mbabane Hhohho Region, Eswatini. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Weber’s instructional leadership model guided the study’s theoretical framework. From the first research question, the findings revealed that instructional leadership improves school performance, provides adequate support structures for learners, helps manage school resources, and helps monitor and evaluate teaching and learning. The study suggested strategies that instructional supervisors can use to improve student performance by monitoring Curriculum and Instruction, collaborative leadership, and contextualizing instructional practices. Improving communication within the school and encouraging continuous professional development and parent involvement can also be helpful. The study concluded that instructional supervision is not effectively practiced in Eswatini schools. Therefore, the study recommends the appointment of principals on merit, parental involvement, and continuous staff development for principals. The study adds to the body of knowledge on instructional supervision in Eswatini. Several principals are unaware of instructional supervision in Eswatini, and in cases where they are, its implementation is minimal and does not fully constitute instructional supervision. School inspectors are informed on the part of the policy that guides instructional supervision in schools. Keywords: Instructional Supervision, Instructional Practices, Principals, Curriculum and Instructional

Investigating the Relationship Between Leadership for Learning and Student Achievement Through the Mediation of Teacher Performance: A Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling (MASEM) Approach

The Leadership for Learning (LfL) framework is often used to investigate the effect of leadership on student achievement (SA). This framework encompasses instructional leadership (IL), transformational leadership (TL), and distributed leadership (DL) qualities that are likely to influence teaching–learning processes at school. The existing literature indicates that LfL can influence both teacher performance and practices and students’ achievement significantly. The current study aims to investigate the mediating role of teacher performance in the relationship between LfL and student achievement using meta-analytical structural equation modeling (MASEM). Correlation values obtained from 60 studies (a total of 36,331 participants) investigating the relationship between these variables were used for the meta-analysis. The findings showed that all three types of leadership affected teacher performance directly, and teacher performance had a direct effect on student achievement. While the effect of IL on SA was mostly indirect, TL and DL were found to affect student achievement both directly and indirectly through teacher performance. Our findings suggest significant implications for not only researchers but also policy-makers and practitioners to improve school performance.

The Impact of Managerial Skills, Organizational Communication, Discipline, and School Climate on Work Engagement in Schools

This study explores the impact of managerial skills, organizational communication, discipline, and school climate on work engagement among teachers and staff in educational institutions. While work engagement is essential for improving school performance and student outcomes, factors influencing it in schools remain insufficiently understood. The research aims to identify specific elements within these four areas that foster higher work engagement, providing insights to enhance teacher satisfaction and productivity. Using a quantitative approach, data will be collected through surveys distributed to teachers and staff across various schools. A structured questionnaire will measure levels of managerial skills, organizational communication, discipline, school climate, and work engagement. Statistical methods, including multiple regression analysis, will analyze the relationships between these variables. The study’s findings are expected to offer practical recommendations for school leaders and policymakers to cultivate a supportive, productive working environment. By presenting an integrated approach, this research contributes to the field by examining the combined effects of multiple factors on work engagement, offering a comprehensive model for enhancing teacher engagement in schools.

Educational Leadership in Improving School Performance and Teacher Professional Development: A Literature Review

The purpose of this study is to examine and describe educational leadership in improving school performance and teacher professional development. This study uses a literature review approach and uses data collection methods in the form of journals and scientific articles related to research studies. The analysis used in this study includes a review of the latest research findings and screening of relevant research materials in sequence. This study reveals that educational leadership plays a role in improving school performance and encouraging teacher professional development. The instructional and distributed leadership models, as well as the professional learning community approach, show that collaboration, ongoing support, and focused professional development are key to achieving educational goals. Effective leadership not only improves teacher performance, but also contributes to improving the quality of education and student learning outcomes as a whole.

Utilizing Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Educational Administration to Enhance School Performance at Junior High School

This study aims to explore the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in education administration to improve school performance. In the growing digital era, demands for efficiency and effectiveness in education administration are increasing, especially with the development of school information management systems (SIMS) and AI-based technologies. This research examines how these technologies can automate routine tasks such as class scheduling, student data management, as well as improve data-driven decision-making that is more accurate and efficient. The research method used in this study is descriptive qualitative, with the process of collecting data through in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis directly from several schools that have adopted this technology. In analyzing the data, I used Miles and Hubberman's data triangulation technique in the form of data reduction, data analysis, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the implementation of technology and AI has improved operational efficiency, accelerated administrative processes, and facilitated the monitoring of student and staff performance. However, the study also found challenges in technology adoption, including limited infrastructure, resistance to change, and concerns regarding data privacy. To overcome these obstacles, a holistic strategy is needed, including the development of supportive policies, digital skills training for staff, and improvement of technology infrastructure in schools. This research concludes that although the application of technology and AI in education administration faces various barriers, the potential benefits are significant, especially in terms of improving the efficiency, transparency and overall quality of school performance.

Mind-body Balance. Experience Workshop for New Entry Students in Engineering

Objective: Evaluate a comprehensive educational intervention in groups of new students in engineering, using techniques for the management of their mental health, to reinforce their conditions for learning. Theoretical Framework: Development of graphic organizers, reinforcement of self-esteem, ability to concentrate, and balanced diet, strengthen study habits and techniques, maintaining mental health, and improving school performance. This topic presents the main concepts and theories that support the research. Method: An educational intervention was designed and carried out for 550 engineering students. They joined a workshop on personal balance for their entry in 2017. Perception surveys and personal testimonies were applied. Their academic performance was analyzed after one year and contrasted with other generations. Results and Discussion: Testimonials and responses to perception surveys from students and the teacher showed more than 82% acceptance. The techniques were perceived as beneficial elements for personal life, and an alternative for mental health management. Their academic performance one year after entering was similar to that of those who had a better entry profile. Research Implications: The results were used to establish an engineering entry strategy and improve the school career, benefiting terminal efficiency. Originality/Value: This study offers the evaluation of the comprehensive intervention applied to engineering students to guide the admission strategy.

Efficacy and perceived satisfaction of 3-year SLIT in children with allergic rhinitis and asthma: a pilot study.

Despite the presence of robust evidence, there is very limited data on the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for selected patients. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and perceived satisfaction of a 3-year course of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in a paediatric population with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. A pilot, monocentre, retrospective cohort study was performed. One hundred fifty-three children who fulfilled the criteria for allergic rhinitis and asthma and were either mono- or poly-sensitized were enrolled. A standardized questionnaire assessing perceived efficacy, use of rescue medication, disease control, number of exacerbations, quality of life, and perceived satisfaction was administered to each patient. Seventy patients (49 males, 21 females; mean age, 14.3±1.9 years) were included in the final analysis. All 70 patients received SLIT for up to 3 years, with 100% adherence to the treatment throughout the study. Significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life were reported (p<0.01). There was also a significant decrease in disease severity, use of rescue medication, and sleep disturbances (p<0.01). Additionally, a significant improvement in school performance was also recorded (p<0.01). Of the enrolled patients, 60 out of 70 (85.7%) reported being very satisfied, 6 out of 70 (8.57%) were much satisfied, and 4 out of 60 (5.71%) were satisfied. We were the first to demonstrate the efficacy and perceived satisfaction of a 3-year SLIT in a paediatric population, with 100% treatment adherence throughout the study.

Health-related quality of life of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: An evolutionary concept analysis

The concept of Health-Related Quality of life (HRQOL) of children and adolescents with Sickle cell disease (SCD) is not clearly understood due to the lack of available studies. This review aimed to elucidate various attributes and related concepts of HRQOL in children and adolescents with SCD using Rodgers' et al. (2018) concept analysis framework. A systematic search was performed to identify studies reporting the attributes, antecedents, consequences, surrogate terms, and related concepts of HRQOL in children and adolescents with SCD. The review included 75 articles, including 70 quantitative, two mixed-methods, and three qualitative studies. These were categorized into attributes, antecedents, consequences, surrogate terms, related concepts, and an exemplar of HRQOL in children and adolescents with SCD. The review identified nine important attributes. It includes multidimensional and dynamic concepts, acknowledging the illness, maintaining emotional balance and self-control, coping with the disease, pain management, stigma and discrimination, treatment burden, palliative care and personal resilience. The antecedents were knowledge and attitude toward the disease, self-efficacy, social support, spirituality and spiritual well-being, disease severity, access to healthcare, environmental factors, and financial considerations. The consequences were independence in personal life, improved physical health outcomes, psychological well-being, family and caregiver well-being, improved family, social and peer relationships and social interactions, improved school performance, and improved overall HRQOL and long-term outcomes. This analysis provides an overview of HRQOL concepts related to children and adolescents with SCD, guiding further research into nursing care and clinical practice.

Enhancing School Performance through Instructional Leadership: Insights from the Nominal Group Technique in the Malaysian Context

This research examines methods to improve school performance in Malaysia through instructional leadership based on insights from educational leadership experts. Utilizing the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) via Google Meet, seven experts engaged in a systematic and democratic decision-making process. This approach ensured equitable participation, avoiding the dominance of individual opinions and premature focus on specific ideas. The experts identified nine crucial strategies for enhancing school performance through this process. The outcomes offer practical guidance for policymakers and educators, presenting a strategic framework to strengthen instructional leadership and ultimately improve school outcomes in Malaysia.

Strategi Efektif dalam Manajemen Organisasi Pendidikan untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja Sekolah

This article aims to examine various effective strategies in the management of educational organizations that can be implemented to improve school performance. The focus of the discussion covers important aspects of school management, such as educational leadership, human resource management, curriculum and learning management, infrastructure management, financial management, and school relations with the community. The qualitative approach used in this research allows researchers to gain an understanding in depth about effective management strategies in improving school performance. By exploring the experiences and views of school leaders and teachers, it is hoped that this research will provide valuable insights that can be used to develop better management practices in other schools. The results of this research reveal that effective management strategies in improving school performance include visionary and inclusive leadership, effective human resource management, positive organizational culture, optimal use of information technology, parent participation, and the ability to adapt and innovate. These findings provide valuable insights that can be used by other schools to develop better management practices and improve overall educational performance. In addition, it is hoped that the results of this research can serve as a guide for educational policy makers in formulating policies that support improving school performance through effective management.

Urgensi Leadership Dan Manajerialship Kepala Sekolah dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Sekolah

The purpose of writing this work is to describe the Urgency of Leadership and Managerialship of School Principals in Improving School Performance. This research uses a literature review method to analyze the urgency of school principal leadership and managerial leadership in improving school performance. This method collects and analyzes information from various relevant sources to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic being discussed. Through this approach, researchers can identify patterns, themes, and gaps in the literature to formulate practical recommendations for school principals in increasing student motivation, reducing school dropout rates, and increasing participation in extracurricular activities. The results of this work are that effective leadership and management are very important to improve school performance through reward systems, mentorship programs, and collaboration with parents. Education about the dangers of online game addiction and providing interesting extracurricular activities can help students stay focused on academics. Financial assistance, teacher training, and partnerships with local communities are also needed to overcome barriers and improve the quality of education. Improved infrastructure and integration of technology in learning supports a conducive learning environment, while ongoing monitoring and evaluation ensures the effectiveness of school programs.

Differential socioemotional and educational profiles in early childhood and primary education students in a lockdown situation.

Recent lockdown situations have highlighted social relationship deprivation of schoolchildren and the need to develop the teaching-learning process in informal contexts. The aim of this study was to analyze differential socioemotional and educational profiles in Early Childhood and Primary Education students using variables relating to academic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Correlational, descriptive, and inferential statistical analyses were performed that yielded differential explanatory models depending on the stage of education. The results reveal statistically significant differences in all the variables except for family-school relationship. In the linear regression models, the most statistically significant variable for school performance in both stages was family-school relationship. However, differences were found between both profiles: emotional impact for Early Childhood Education students and social impact for Primary Education students. Lastly, leisure activities at home were included as an explanatory variable only in the Primary Education regression model. The final conclusions highlight the need to attend to the evolutionary characteristics of students in each stage to improve school performance in similar lockdown situations.

Improving the Quality of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Through Transformational Leadership

Purpose: This research aims to explore more deeply the application of transformational leadership in Islamic education and its role in improving educational standards and school performance, as well as realizing the importance of leadership in utilizing the potential of school resources. Methods: This research uses descriptive research methods with a qualitative approach. This is because researchers carry out direct observations in the field to observe and provide an accurate picture of the reality that occurs in the field. Results: The research results show that madrasa heads bear the responsibility of supervising all aspects of educational activities, starting from managing teachers and students, developing curriculum and programs to building relationships with parents and the community. By using a three-stage strategy that includes input, process, and output, this research shows that there is a strict selection process for students and teachers who enter the input stage, while remaining focused on optimizing the learning process to produce quality educational results. These strategies are intricately designed to complement and strengthen each other, fostering an inclusive and conducive educational environment. Conclusion: These findings underscore the positive impact of transformational leadership on the overall educational landscape at MI Wali Songo Asy-Syirbaany, South Tangerang City, where madrasa heads, through inclusive and astute leadership, prioritize improving the quality of education. Therefore, this research explains the important role of transformational leadership in raising educational standards and improving school performance, and offers valuable insights for improving the quality of education in similar settings.

Perspectives and Opportunities for Learning Analytics Integration

The adoption of learning analytics (LA) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Mexico is still at an early stage despite increasing global interest and advances in the field. The use of educational data remains a challenging puzzle for many universities, which strive to provide students, teachers, and institutional administrators with information and insights to better understand their performance. The objective of this study was to identify the perspectives of teachers, students, and administrators about the use of educational data to explore opportunities for the adoption and integration of LA in three different Mexican universities. A qualitative approach was used, adopting instruments and guidelines previously developed in the framework of Learning Analytics for Latin America (LALA) project, adapting them to the Mexican context. Methods included 1) structured interviews with high-level institutional administrators and 2) focus groups with students, teachers, and other educational administrators. Results showed that perceptions are oriented toward improving school performance through data-based feedback, with ethical responsibility. Emergent categories were physical and mental health, development of healthy relationships and well-being, feedback style, and governance in a bureaucratic setting. The specific modern construct of LA still needs to be internalized and disseminated to Mexican universities’ educational stakeholders to increase the likelihood of successful adoption.

Development of a Strategy Model for Promotion of New Student Admissions at Lumajang Muhammadiyah Vocational High School

Vocational High Schools (SMK) are required to promote schools to the maximum, because no matter how good a school is, if it is not supported it will have an impact on the popularity of the school and the minimum number of students. The Private School Admissions Strategy for New Students (PPDB) is something that requires serious planning and implementation. PPDB activities cannot be separated from improving school performance in the community. In the digital era, sales promotion actions no longer depend on traditional sales promotions and communication strategies, but on digital marketing via the internet. Based on this description, research is needed with the aims of: (1) analyzing the PPDB promotion strategy implemented at SMK Muhammadiyah Lumajang so far; (2) developing a PPDB promotion strategy at SMK Muhammadiyah Lumajang; (3) analyze the feasibility of developing a PPDB promotion strategy at SMK Muhammadiyah Lumajang. The type of research is Research and Development (R&amp;D) to develop new products or improve existing products. Research and development uses the ADDIE model which consists of five stages, namely Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. Data collection techniques through interviews, observation, documentation and questionnaires. Test the validity of research instruments by experts in the relevant field (expert judgment). Quantitative data analysis and qualitative data analysis are used as data analysis techniques. This research was carried out at Muhammadiyah Vocational School, Lumajang. The results of the research show that promotional activities for PPDB SMK Muhammadiyah Lumajang so far include: (1) presentations to SMP or MTs; (2) print brochures, posters and billboards; (3) holding junior high school or MTs level competitions. The promotional strategy model for PPDB SMK Muhammadiyah Lumajang in the 2023-2024 academic year is implemented conventionally and digitally. The digital marketing method is the development of a promotional strategy model to perfect the conventional promotional model. The results of the feasibility test for developing a promotional strategy model using digital marketing were declared very feasible to implement. Promotions with digital marketing have a 62% influence on interest in registering, conventional promotions have a 10% influence on interest in registering, and the remaining 28% is influenced by other variables not researched.

A review of human resource management practices and their impact on school performance (2012–2022)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the published literature on human resource management and school performance from January 2012 to December 2022. Numerous literature evaluations have been conducted on human resource management and organizational performance, but school or teacher performance has received less attention than organizational performance. The PICOC (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and context) technique is integrated into each stage of the PSALSAR framework to assure the study’s objective and comparability. This in-depth research is conducted in three stages: identifying pertinent keywords, screening pertinent papers, and selecting pertinent publications for review utilizing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Mata Analysis) technique. This made a final database with 44 publications that met the study’s requirements for inclusion. This study reveals that HRM practices and school performance are correlated. The results of the research identify the eight most essential HRM practices for improving school performance, which included planning, organizing, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, employee relations and involvement, reward and compensation, health, safety, and work-life balance. Leadership style, motivation, satisfaction, productivity and task performance, competency, culture and climate, empowerment, and commitment were among the performance-influencing elements.

Effect of COVID-19 on sleeping patterns and its correlation to body weight gain, screen time, and mental health: a cross-sectional study among adolescents in Riyadh

Objective: This study aimed to assess self-reported sleeping pattern changes among adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, back during COVID-19 and examined these changes in correlation with increased body mass index (BMI) and screen time usage, and changed eating habits. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi parents of children aged 12-18 years. An online questionnaire assessed physical activity, BMI changes, screen time, sleep patterns, and mental health effects during the lockdown. Participants&amp;apos; mental health status, was assessed by the patient health questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the participants was 14.98 ± 2.03 years, and 18.2% were obese during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of them, 53.1% observed weight gain during the lockdown. Only 20.5% were involved in physical activities, 42.3% used smart devices for more than 3 hours daily, 83.8% had increased screen time, and 50.6% noticed an increase in sleeping hours. Almost 25% had mild mental health effects, while 41.8%-21.6% had anxiety and depression, respectively. A non-significant relationship was found between differences in sleeping hours during lockdown and BMI, dietary habits, physical activity, screen time, school performance, psychological states, and the prevalence of mental health disorders, anxiety, or depression. Participants with improvement in school performance during lockdown had a significantly higher mean BMI before and during the pandemic, and a higher percentage of those who noticed an increase in the average time screen use during lockdown as compared to before. Conclusion: Evaluating the pandemic&amp;apos;s long-term consequences on adolescents&amp;apos; behaviors and psychological health is needed.

Contingency Management Practices of Public Elementary Schools in Laguna

This study aimed to determine and discuss the importance of contingency management strategies in the Public Elementary Schools in Laguna to improve the work engagement and performance of school programs and school leaders. This research study focused on the need for adaptive leadership techniques to address dynamic issues in the educational environment and improve educator engagement and performance. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of contingency management on school program planning. The study used the descriptive correlation method. The research study used self-made survey instruments on the status and perceptions of the school heads’ practices on contingency management. The research design was to expand and strengthen the study's conclusion and further contribute to the literature publication. The study aims to help the school heads and leaders in the Schools Division of Laguna understand the need to practice contingency management in school programs and its impact on successful planning. It will also aim to address possible gaps and analyze the progress in the performance of the schools that use contingency management. Moreover, the study aims to help the school heads prepare plans and ways to avoid more significant problems in their programs and projects by providing contingency plans for their programs in their respective schools. Teachers and school heads will be able to be aware and knowledgeable about analyzing possibilities and hindrances in plans, programs, and projects ahead and crafting backup plans to mobilize the school. Three hundred and fourteen (314) school heads were the target population of this study, including Head Teacher I to Principal IV in Laguna, with 95% confidence and a 5% margin of error, assuming 50% variability. The data collected from the respondents were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques, including frequency, percentage, mean, and weighted mean. The results of the survey were the researcher's basis for identifying the perceptions and the level of knowledge of the school heads in contingency management among the public schools in the Division of Laguna. The results highlight the importance of organizational culture, collaboration, and openness in the implementation of emergent strategies, as well as the role of organizational structure, goal setting, and reinforcement in improving school performance. Implications include recommendations for schools to strengthen organizational structures, prioritize organizational culture, integrate goal setting and reinforcement into emergency management, and monitor and evaluate continuous improvement practices. This study highlights the need for further research on other variables and the development of crisis management practices in public elementary schools.

A Prioritization Method to Optimize School Operational Assistance Fund by Using AHP Approach

In Indonesia, education funding provided by the central government is made up of the components of personnel costs, investment costs, and operating costs. Since its implementation in 2005, the program has found several obstacles. It’s crucial to have an optimization tool to overcome the complications. The main problems that have arisen in the allocation of these funds so far have been lacking in planning and the lack of participation of the school ecosystem, in particular in determining the planning, planning documents and the priority scale of the projects. Program and activity plans based on the School Operating Assistance (BOS) platform. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model is a prioritization approach based on determining the priority scale on the comparison of one option with another. The AHP model is a powerful but simple method that is usually used to make decisions. This approach has been implemented in various sectors, business, government, management, and education. In this study, the AHP model was used to determine the priority scale on the criteria of BOS allocated funds in the current year so that it could be absorbed optimally and can be utilized properly in its implementation for Vocational School activities. The results of the study show that the use of AHP makes it easier for school residents to prioritize the use of funds for school activities. Using the AHP model allows managers to record strategic goals using weighted criteria as the basis for prioritizing the use of funds. AHP can also work among different stakeholders in the school (principals, treasurers, teachers, and committee, parents/guardians) to participate in decisions about the use of BOS funds, to improve the quality and form of decision support taken to improve school performance.

Evaluating the efficacy of a ketogenic diet in managing drug resistant paediatric DEDPC5-related epilepsy

AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet treatment in a cohort of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy with a mutation in the DEPDC5 gene. Materials and MethodsWe followed four paediatric patients with drug resistant DEPDC5-related epilepsy through a ketogenic diet (KD) treatment course. We analyzed the following parameters of their clinical profiles: past medical history, clinical characteristics of seizure morphology, EEG records pre- and post-KD treatment, the results of MRI head and neurological and psychological examinations (pre-treatment and throughout treatment course). We evaluated the effectiveness of previous therapeutic approaches and the current treatment with ketogenic diet alongside results of neuroimaging studies. Effect of KD on co-morbid behavioural and psychiatric symptoms, as well as adverse effects from KD were also assessed. ResultsIn three patients, the introduction of the ketogenic diet resulted in the cessation of seizures, while in 1 patient with co-morbid cortical dysplasia, epileptic seizures of lesser severity returned after an initial seizure-free period of several weeks. Further, 1 patient was able to transition to a KD-only treatment regimen. The remaining patients were able to reduce the number of antiseizure medicine (ASM) to a monotherapy. In all cases we observed improvements in EEG results. Our cohort included one patient whose MRI head showed cortical dysplasia. However, no patients demonstrated any neurological signs in neurological examination. Psychological examination showed normal intellectual development in all patients, although behavioral disorders and difficulties at school were observed. The introduction of KD treatment correlated with improvement in school performance and improved behavioral regulation. No clinically significant adverse events were observed. ConclusionsKD seems to be both effective and well tolerated in young patients with DEPDC5-related epilepsy, both as a monotherapy and as an adjunct to ASM. We recommend an early adoption of this therapeutic approach in this patient demographic. Our results demonstrate that the positive effects of KD treatment encompass improvements in general functioning, particularly in the context of school performance and behavior, in addition to the achievement of good seizure control.