Instructional Leadership Model Research Articles

Development of Instructional Leadership Indicators of Teachers in Educational Opportunity Expansion Schools under the Primary Educational Service Area Offices in the Northeast

The purposes of this study were to: 1) identify instructional leadership of teachers, 2) develop the Instructional leadership indicators of teachers, 3) investigate the goodness-of-fit between the structural model of instructional leadership indicators of teachers and empirical data, and 4) produce a user manual of the instructional leadership indicators of teachers in educational opportunity expansion schools under the Primary Educational Service Area Offices in the northeast. The study was divided into four phases. The findings were as follows 1. The components of instructional leadership of teachers in educational opportunity expansion schools consisted of seven components, namely 1) self and other teacher development, 2) curriculum development ability, 3) learning management ability, 4) learning assessment and evaluation ability, 5) transformational leadership, 6) learning exchange ability and 7) moral and ethics. 2. The indicators of instructional leadership of teachers in educational opportunity expansion schools comprised seven principal components, 25 sub-components and 98 indicators. All principal components achieved the mean scores at high level of appropriateness 3. The indicator structural model of instructional leadership of teachers in educational opportunity expansion schools was congruent with empirical data. (Chi-Square=202.84, df=176, p=0.08095, GFI=0.97, AGFI =0.95, RMSEA=0.016, CN=668.53) and 4. The user manual of the instructional leadership of teacher indicators in educational opportunity expansion schools under the Primary Educational Service Area Offices in four aspects obtained the Index of item-objective congruence (IOC) at 1.00 indicated that the user manual was appropriated to be implemented.

School principals’ instructional leadership as a predictor of teacher’s professional development

This study investigates the role of school principals’ instructional leadership as a predictor of teachers’ professional development. The research sample comprised 304 secondary school teachers and 19 principals in Awka South, Anambra State, Nigeria. The study adopts Hallinger and Murphy’s (1985) Instructional Leadership Model. Data were collected using the “Principal’s Instructional Leadership Practices and Teachers’ Professional Development” (PILPTPD) tool. Correlation analysis was utilized to explore the relationship between school principals’ instructional leadership and teachers’ professional development, while multiple regression analysis was employed to ascertain the predictive capacity of instructional leadership on teacher professional development. The results reveal significant associations between instructional leadership and teacher professional development and growth. Ultimately, instructional leadership emerges as a significant predictor of teacher professional development. This study contributes to the expanding literature emphasizing the nexus between principal instructional leadership and teacher professional development, shedding light on the mediating role of principals’ leadership in influencing teachers’ professional development and instructional practices.

How teachers' performance is impacted by transformational and instructional leadership model

How teachers' performance is impacted by transformational and instructional leadership model

Influence Of Provision Of Incentives By Head Teachers On Teachers’ Work Performance In Public Primary Schools In Nakuru County, Kenya

Recent reports on education in Kenya underscore the importance of head teachers adopting effective instructional leadership practices and teachers enhancing their pedagogical knowledge and skills in order to guarantee high-quality education and academic achievement within the country's school systems. One of the instructional leadership practices that can be adopted by headteachers is the provision of incentives to teachers. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of provision of incentives by the head teachers on teachers’ work performance in public primary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. Hallinger and Murphy's (1985) Model of Instructional Leadership and Campbell et al.'s (1993) Theory of Job Performance informed the study. The study used mixed methods research approach, and adopted the convergent parallel design. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods simultaneously to collect and analyze data from a target population of 57,800 pupils, 7,741 teachers, and 680 head teachers from 680 schools, and 11 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs). A sample of 68 primary schools were selected for the study using cluster sampling. From these sampled schools 60 pupils and 329 teachers were selected through simple random sampling. Purposive sampling was also used to select 68 head teachers and 9 QASOs. The research instruments used were a focus group discussion guide, questionnaire, interview schedule, and document analysis checklist. A pilot study was conducted in 7 public primary schools in Baringo County with a sample size of 35 teachers. Descriptive and inferential statistics specifically frequency counts, percentages, Spearman rank correlation, and regression analysis, were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative dat was analysed using textual analysis approach. The hypothesis was tested at a significance level of 0.05 using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings were presented as frequencies and percentages using tables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in narrative forms. The study established that provision of incentives by the head teachers had a statistically significant positive influence on teachers’ work performance in public primary schools in Nakuru County. The study highlights the importance of teachers' work performance for overall school outcomes, providing valuable knowledge for head teachers and education stakeholders to focus on initiatives for provision of incentives for teachers and policies that support such initiatives. This will create an enabling environment for maximizing teachers' efficiency and effectiveness, leading to improved pupil performance in KCPE examinations in public primary schools. 
 
 

PRINCIPALS’ INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP ROLE AND LESSON STUDY PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA

The study investigated principals’ instructional leadership role and lesson study program implementation in public secondary schools in Kajiado County. The objectives were to find out the role the principals played in supervising the implementation of the lesson study program and to find out the role the principals played in promoting collaborative practices when implementing the lesson study program. The study was anchored on Carrier’s instructional leadership model and Vygotsky’s social-cultural theory. A mixed-methods research approach was used with a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. The study’s target population consisted of 95 public secondary schools, 95 principals, and 651 mathematics and science teachers from Kajiado County, with a sample size of 29 principals and 248 mathematics and science teachers. This was achieved using probability and non-probability sampling techniques, which included purposeful, proportionate, and simple random sampling. The collection of data was done using an interview guide for principals and a questionnaire for teachers. A pilot study was conducted in two schools that had characteristics similar to those of the schools that were involved in the study. The research instruments were validated by experts with knowledge of instructional leadership from Tangaza University College and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The analysis of quantitative data was done using descriptive statistics, which included frequency distributions and percentages, and were generated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The data was presented in the form of bar graphs, pie charts, and frequency tables. Qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach and presented using narratives and direct quotes. The findings revealed that secondary school principals carried out supervision throughout the process of lesson study by attending lesson study meetings, observing lessons, and giving feedback. They also discuss challenges encountered by teachers during lesson study implementation, such as limited time, lack of funds, heavy workload, and competing programs. School principals were also found to be supportive in terms of collaborations such as teamwork, peer lesson observation, and team teaching. However, the study found some challenges that face such collaborations which include a lack of clear understanding of lesson study by newly employed teachers as well as uncooperative teachers, especially those with many years of experience. The study concluded that despite the challenges facing lesson study implementation, public secondary school principals in Kajiado County make an effort to supervise lesson study implementation. The study also concluded that secondary school principals promote collaborative practices that support the implementation of lesson study programs. The study recommends that Center for Mathematics Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) organizes training on lesson study for mathematics and science teachers with a teaching experience of less than five years as well as sensitization workshops on lesson study for secondary school principals who are newly employed. Also, the study recommends that the Ministry of Education (MOE) develops a clear policy for lesson study implementation. The study suggests that further research be conducted to investigate lesson study program and students’ academic achievement.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0019/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

INFLUENCE OF PROVISION OF INCENTIVES BY HEAD TEACHERS ON TEACHERS’ WORK PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

Recent reports on education in Kenya underscore the importance of head teachers adopting effective instructional leadership practices and teachers enhancing their pedagogical knowledge and skills in order to guarantee high-quality education and academic achievement within the countrys school systems. Giving teachers incentives is one of the instructional leadership strategies that headteachers can use. This studys goal was to ascertain how the head teachers incentives affected teachers work performance in Kenyas Nakuru County public elementary schools. The study was informed by the Hallinger and Murphy (1985) Model of Instructional Leadership and the Campbell et al. (1993) Theory of Job Performance. The study employed a convergent parallel design and a mixed methods research methodology. In order to gather and analyze data from a target population of 57,800 students, 7,741 teachers, 680 head teachers from 680 schools, and 11 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs), the study simultaneously used quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Cluster sampling was used to choose a sample of 68 elementary schools for the investigation. Through simple random sampling, 60 students and 329 teachers were chosen from these sampled schools. Additionally, 68 head teachers and 9 QASOs were chosen through the use of a purposeful sample. A focus group discussion guide, questionnaire, interview schedule, and document analysis checklist were the research tools employed. A pilot research with a sample size of 35 teachers was carried out in 7 public elementary schools in Baringo County. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, notably frequency counts, percentages, Spearman rank correlation, and regression analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to test the hypothesis at a significance level of 0.05. Tables were used to depict the results as frequencies and percentages. Thematic analysis and story presentations were used to display qualitative data. According to the study, head teachers incentives had a statistically significant positive effect on teachers job performance in Nakuru Countys public elementary schools. The study emphasizes the value of teachers work performance for overall school outcomes, giving head teachers and other education stakeholders important information to consider while focusing on efforts for providing incentives for teachers and legislation that support such programs. This would foster an environment where teachers may work as efficiently and effectively as possible, enhancing student achievement in KCPE examinations in public primary schools. KEY WORDS: Provision of Incentives, Teachers Work Performance, Instructional Leadership, Public Primary Schools

An Investigation into Principals’ Instructional Leadership and Lecturers’ Organizational Commitment Within the Community Colleges in Jamaica

The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between lecturers’ ratings of principals' instructional leadership and lecturers' views of their organizational commitment (OC) within the community colleges in Jamaica. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire that adopted the Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale and the Three-Component Model of Organizational Commitment. A total of 170 lecturers participated in the survey, which used total population sampling, a purposive sampling technique. The Social Exchange Theory, Organizational Commitment Model, and Instructional Leadership Model provided theoretical frameworks for the study. Results of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation showed an overall low but positive association between principals’ instructional leadership and lecturers’ organizational commitment. Defining the college mission was positively correlated with affective and normative commitment but negatively with continuance commitment. Results of the Multiple Regression Analysis indicated that defining the college mission, managing instructional programs, and creating a positive college climate predicted affective and continuous commitment. However, creating a positive college climate was the only predictor of normative commitment. The study concluded that principals' instructional leadership is necessary within the community colleges and was associated with lecturers' organizational commitment.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Instructional Technological Leadership Research Using VOSviewer

This study aims to analyze the development of research on technology-related instructional leadership. The research method used is bibliometric analysis. The articles used in this study were sourced from the Google Schooler database with the help of the Publication of Perish from 2015-2022; 498 papers were found. Data analysis using the VOSviewer application. The results showed that the number of publications decreased yearly, where the most occurred in 2015, namely 102 publications. The results of the density visualization analysis shown in yellow circles indicate the themes most frequently used in recent research, namely instructional technology, technology integration, instructional leadership practice, school leader, transformational leadership, covid, time and student. Meanwhile, based on network visualization, the topic of instructional leadership has a relationship with the term development, effect, effectiveness, instructional leader, instructional leadership, instructional leadership practice, leader, leadership, model, principal, research, school, school leader, school leadership, school principal and transformational leadership. These results illustrate that technology-based instructional leadership can be developed by referring to instructional technology, technology integration, as a term rarely used based on visualization overlay.

Provision of Professional Development Opportunities by the Head Teachers and its Influence on Teachers’ Work Performance in Public Primary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya

The effectiveness of school systems and learners’ academic performance in Kenya relies heavily on head teachers’ instructional leadership practices and teachers’ work performance, raising the need for suitable instructional leadership practices to achieve the desired quality of education outlined in Vision 2030 and the fourth Sustainable Development Goal. However, recent reports highlight concerns about teachers’ work performance, especially regarding their classroom pedagogical knowledge, skills, and practices. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of provision of professional development opportunities by the head teachers on teachers’ work performance in public primary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. Hallinger and Murphy’s (1985) Model of Instructional Leadership and Campbell et al.’s (1993) Theory of Job Performance informed the study. The study employed a mixed methods approach with the convergent parallel design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from 466 respondents in 68 primary schools. The sample included 60 pupils, 329 teachers, 68 head teachers, and 9 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs). Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Statistical analyses in SPSS version 25 included descriptive statistics, percentages, Spearman rank correlation, and regression analysis. The results show that the provision of professional development by head teachers had no significant influence on teachers’ work performance in public primary schools in Nakuru County.The study concluded that teachers’ work performance was critical for the overall school outcomes. The study recommends that head teachers should implement internal professional development programs, considering key procedures like identifying teachers’ training needs for instructional improvement, encouraging in-service training, providing guidance on performance gaps, organizing peer coaching, and promoting further studies for career advancement.

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPERVISION AS A DETERMINANT OF STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA.

Education is critical for the progress and changes of nations across the world. The purpose of the study was to the influence of instructional supervision on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Kenya. The article is an extract from a study done in public secondary schools in the Yatta sub-county, Machakos County, Kenya. The study was guided by the instructional leadership model. The researcher adopted a descriptive research design, survey method. The study was conducted among 247 respondents comprising 19 principals and 228 teachers. The study employed stratified sampling techniques and simple random sampling techniques. Data collection was done using questionnaires for principals and teachers. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings, from the principal’s perspective, revealed that there exists a weak positive correlation between the principal’s instructional supervision and students’ academic performance (r = 0.236 p = 0.330). However, from the teacher's perspective, the findings show that there is a weak negative correlation between the principal’s instructional supervision and students’ academic performance (r =- 0.190, p =0.009). Therefore, the study concluded that instructional supervision is crucial, but it must be carried out properly and with the participation of all parties concerned for the best result. It was, thus, suggested that the principals in public secondary schools should enhance instructional supervision by always being actively involved in the day-to-day learning of the institutions and engaging the teacher in planning for the supervision to enhance students’ performance.

Managing curriculum policy implementation at correctional centres in selected South African Regions

In terms of section 29 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, Act 108 of 1996, everyone has the right to a basic education, including adult basic education. Notably, education is a basic human right even for those in conflict with the law (offenders). This study is geared towards investigating management of curriculum policy implementation at Correctional Centres in North West (NW) and Gauteng (GP) regions in South Africa as Department of Correctional Services (DCS) geographical demarcations. It is therefore imperative for education managers in Correctional Centres to manage education curriculum effectively and efficiently in order to avert criminal behaviour and relieve socio-economic hardships that citizens might experience. The theoretical framework of this study, instructional leadership model would be engaged in order to foster the change required. Schools are more effective and efficient teaching and learning environment through instructional leadership (IS) as a critical aspect of school leadership. Instructional leaders should ensure that every student receives the highest quality instruction in line with the managing of curriculum policy implementation. The study seeks to outline the challenges faced by research participants towards management of curriculum policy implementation in Correctional Centres schools (CCS) and to identify possible solutions to those challenges. The anticipated possible outcome would be a development of a model towards the proper management of curriculum policy implementation strategy in correctional centres. For the purpose of conducting empirical research, the qualitative methodology will be used. Both educators and SMT’s should possess learning area matter knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and content knowledge. The DCS and DoE should train members of SMT’s on how to monitor, evaluate and support educators in terms of new teaching methodologies. . DCS and DoE must have a common understanding of how they would enhance training to successfully manage curriculum policy implementation process.

Digital principal instructional leadership in new normal era

The needs for new knowledge and skill are driven by several factors and two most general are indefinite nature of SARS-CoV-2 and the need for alternative ways for students’ instruction during pandemic era. The two factors require principal to take their role differently. This study aimed to describe model of digital principal instructional leadership in new normal era. This was a quantitative study by using structural relation model, involved 290 teachers as sample of this study. Data were analyzed by using structural equation model (SEM) of AMOS 24.0. The study findings provided solid evidence that model of digital principal instructional leadership in new normal era is supported by field data. They also showed that respondents identify three crucial factors influencing the success of digital principal instructional leadership in new era. They are supporting online learning, proactive reducing issues of learning from home, and leading and managing virtual schools. Instructional leader should have adaptive capacity and flexibility to learn and develop during crisis. They should be able to give more effective response to overcome future challenges faced by the school institution.

Principal's leadership in improving student learning outcomes

The purpose of this research was to identify, explain, and analyze the principal's of headmasters learning as a step in improving student learning outcomes. The method used is a literature study method with a conceptual research approach related to ideas and theories. Principal leadership in improving student learning outcomes is the most important element in improving the quality of education. In order to be able to improve the quality of education, school principals must do good learning in their leadership. Based on the instructional leadership model expressed by Weber dan Murphy, it can be concluded that good instructional leadership must include activities including, developing the school's vision, mission, and goals, developing learning programs that can meet needs, developing an academic learning climate, creating a work environment that is conducive to learning. support and implement comprehensive learning assessments. Principal instructional leadership is a multidimensional construct that focuses on how principals organize and perform coordination tasks in school life. In creating effective learning lead ership a synergistic relationship is needed with all school members.

Instructional leadership, power distance, teacher enthusiasm, and differentiated instruction in Turkey: testing a multilevel moderated mediation model

ABSTRACT This study tested a moderated mediation model of instructional leadership’s effects on differentiated instruction, with teacher enthusiasm as the mediator and power distance perceptions of teachers as the moderator. Using survey data from a sample of 772 teachers working at 55 secondary schools, the study performed multilevel structural equation modelling (MSEM) with Bayesian estimation to examine the structural relationships between principal instructional leadership, power distance, teacher enthusiasm, and differentiated instruction. Results replicated the previously established evidence that principal instructional leadership has indirect effects on differentiated instruction through promoting teacher enthusiasm. This study also extends the literature by bringing evidence that the effect of instructional leadership on teacher enthusiasm and differentiated practice is contingent upon the level of power distance in the relationships between teachers and principals. Key implications for policy and practice are discussed.

The effect of instructional leadership on student’s active and learning outcomes

Instructional leadership is strategically used to improve the quality of learning. This leadership style is leadership oriented to improve the quality of learning, instructional leadership policy becomes the parameters of the school in improving the quality of learners' learning outcomes. The purpose of the study was: knowing and analyzing the influence of instructional leadership models, improving learning activity on student learning outcomes. This research uses the quantitative research method. Data collection using research instruments by disseminating questionnaires using google form. The results of this study are: 1.) There is an influence of the instructional leadership model on improving the activeness of learners' learning; 2.) There is an influence of the instructional leadership model on learners' learning outcomes; and 3.) There is an influence of instructional leadership on improving the activeness of learning and learning outcomes of learners. It can be concluded that instructional leadership is effective in improving the quality of learning.

A Conceptual Paper for Educational Leadership Models in Malaysia

Researchers are paying attention to leadership management in the field of education after the Ministry of Education placed high leadership in schools as a shift to improve the standard of Malaysia's education system in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025. Leadership is mentioned as a necessity for reforming educational institutions. It has the potential to influence teachers’ performance and academic success of students. Transactional, transformational, and instructional leadership models were found out to be the most prominent types of leadership in Malaysian educational institutions. However, only few studies on leadership models and teachers’ performance have been conducted, especially in the field of special education. Therefore, this study was developed with the aim of proposing a conceptual framework involving the instructional leadership model and teacher success in order to fill a void in the current literature, based on previous scholars' recommendations. The paper started by giving an overview of the three types of models that are widely used before forming the conceptual structure and seeking past studies concerning leadership models and teacher-related factors. Finally, the constructs of teachers' self-efficacy and job satisfaction were applied to the proposed framework, which is intended to introduce new perspectives into the field of special education leadership.

Investigating a multiple mediated-effects model of instructional leadership and teacher professional learning in the Malaysian School Context: A partial least squares analysis

The poor student performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment has urged the Malaysian authorities to upskill teachers’ professional learning. However, little is known about how instructional leadership contributes to teacher professional learning, especially in the Malaysian context. This study seeks to investigate the direct relationship between principal instructional leadership and teacher professional learning through the mediating effects of teachers’ trust in the principal and self-efficacy in a multiple mediated-effects model. Data were collected from 335 primary and secondary school teachers in Penang, Malaysia. A partial least squares structural equation modelling approach was used for data analysis. The results found that the relationship between principal instructional leadership and teacher professional learning is mediated by teachers’ trust in the principal and self-efficacy. Implications for theory and knowledge are presented.

Instructional Leadership Practices in Under-Enrolled Rural Schools in Miri, Sarawak

This study focuses on teachers’ perceptions of their headmasters’ instructional leadership practices in under-enrolled rural schools of Sarawak, Malaysia. It also focuses on the issues and challenges faced by the headmasters in practicing instructional leadership roles as demanded by the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025. The mixed method research employed the Instructional Leadership Model by Hallinger and Murphy (1985). The quantitative data was collected through a survey method using ‘The Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS) adapted from Hallinger (2008) and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS IBM Version 22.0 software. The qualitative data from interviews were coded thematically and analysed to support the survey results. The study found the level of the headmasters’ instructional leadership in the three dimensions as “medium high” (mean = 3.57, SD = 0.90). There is a statistically significant difference between male and female teachers’ perceptions regarding their headmasters’ instructional leadership practices. This study also revealed the headmasters’ instructional leadership practices as “medium high” level among under-enrolled rural schools. However, the issues and challenges faced by the schools made it more difficult for them to improve their academic qualities.
 
 Keywords: Instructional Leadership, Under-enrolled Schools, Rural Schools

Model Arabic Language Teaching for Islamic Senior High Schools/ نموذج إدارة تعليم اللغة العربية للمدارس الثانوية

Management is the organizational process that involves planning, organizing, leadership and controlling. The objectives of this study were to describe the planning model, the instructional leadership model, and explain the quality control model of management of learning Arabic in MA Nuris 1 Jember, MANPK Jember, MA Al Qodiri 1 Jember. The research approach used is a qualitative approach with a type of case study with a multisite design. The analysis technique uses individual case analysis and cross-case analysis. The validity of the data in this study uses a test of credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability. The findings of this study are (1) Arabic language learning planning model is integrated models, which begins environmental analysis with standardization of caregivers and quality assurance. Planning is developed through the integration of the K13 curriculum with the pesantren curriculum, integration of madrasah Arabic learning with Islamic boarding schools referring to technical instructions from the ministry of religion, and student exchange programs. (2) Instructional leadership model in Arabic language learning is participative delegatif and non participative delegatif, with. The socialization of the vision, mission, and objectives are carried out by the quality assurance team with the aim of the madrasa community, parents of students and the community both directly and using print and electoral media. Both learning management is carried out centrally with a hierarchical system and a specialization system developed by the teacher in a centralized manner with various models that refer to boarding learning technical guidelines and guidebooks, thirdly constructing a climate of learning Arabic using a modern education system and time compaction. (3) The first Arabic language quality control model, input quality control students memorized Taqrib 250 verses and Imriti 250 verses, able to speak Arabic and English, have memorized Al-Quran, MTs, and pesantren. Input teacher master Arabic, pesantren alumni, can read books and teachers built by Dalwa Islamic Boarding School. Second, control of the learning process specifically for santri mukim and santri kalong, full-day school-based Islamic boarding schools, and supported by Arabic language olympiad, student exchanges, LPBA and Yaumul Arabi and involving, systems, media and personnel. Third, control of output based learning IT, supported by Khitobah, Yaumul Arabiy and weekly, monthly and semester evaluations. Based on the findings above, the formal findings of this research are the integrative delegated management model of Arabic language learning in Aliyah madrasas based Ma'had- can improve the quality of students in mastering all Arabic language skills.

Exploring instructional leadership in Iranian primary schools: perspective of successful principals

ABSTRACT While there is continuing research on instructional leadership, there are limited attempts from Eastern cultural societies and contexts where education is highly centralized. This paper explores instructional leadership in Iranian public primary schools, from the perspectives of successful principals. Through interviews with 26 participants, this study sought to illuminate their perspectives toward their role as instructional leaders. As a result, a model of instructional leadership was described, which had three dimensions – paying attention to the school’s vision, managing the instructional program, and promoting a learning climate – and seven associated functions. This model is a contextually relevant version of the dominant view of instructional leadership. The research reveals how features of specific societies shape instructional leadership conceptualizations, and it reinforces the need to consider leadership and context.