Public School Principals Research Articles

Resistance Capital as a Cultural Asset That Supports Latina Leadership Development & Address Environmental Leadership Challenges in K-12 Schools

ABSTRACT This study delves into the leadership experiences of Latinx women in their professional work contexts who serve as K-12 school principals in public schools located in New Jersey. It accentuates the obstacles faced by these Latina administrators in their roles as school principals to deconstruct negative perceptions and biases toward Latina principals rooted in social identity stereotypes of gender and ethnicity. The study’s findings reveal how their leadership challenges have empowered them to confront microaggressions from intersecting social identity stereotypes related to gender and ethnicity. The primary objective of the research is to dispel misconceptions about Latina school principals and advocate for inclusive leadership practices. The findings indicate that the sustained career success of the Latina school principals in this study was driven by resistant capital (CCW, Yosso & Yosso, 2005; Yosso & Escobedo, 2022), a form of cultural asset that presents an alternative narrative about Latina educational leaders. This study underscores the significance of recruiting and retaining Latina school principals in urban districts and proposes a framework for preparing Latina leaders from K-12 through college.

Enacting policy change in Jordanian public schools: interrogating the reproductive habitus of Al Faza’a leadership

ABSTRACT An extensive longitudinal study examining the enactment of Jordan’s Education Reform for Knowledge Economy (ERfKE) policy in public schools uncovered the pervasive influence of Al-Faza’a leadership, which is deeply rooted in tribal values of solidarity and kinship. This article analyses Al-Faza’a leadership as a culturally potent force that profoundly challenges policy change for education reform. Through a sociological study guided by Bourdieu’s theory of practice, our findings reveal Al-Faza’a leadership as a distinctive form of illusio that is all the more powerful when intertwined with the doxa of Sheikhocracy. We illustrate how Al-Faza’a leadership embodies a persistent reproductive habitus, obstructing ERfKE’s transformative potential and exemplifying resistance to externally imposed and culturally ill-suited reform agendas in Jordan’s schools. By dissecting nuanced sociocultural dynamics shaping leadership practices, the article focuses on the experiences and perspectives of public school principals charged with policy enactment. It illuminates embedded cultural practices within schools and the Ministry of Education that are steeped in long-held traditions and beliefs which undermine policy objectives. This grounded theory-building study highlights the unsuitability of imported policy ideals that assume universal applicability and emphasizes the necessity of culturally sensitive approaches to education policymaking, policy enactment, and, hence, to education reform.

Spirituality/Faith Integration and Career Sustainability: A Phenomenology of African-American Principals in U.S. Urban High-poverty Public Schools

A phenomenological lens was used to analyze themed patterns to understand how spirituality provides hope, a sense of purpose, and resiliency, enabling 12 Christian African- American principals of urban public schools in the United States to sustain their careers while facing marginalization, inequities, economic oppression, and stress. The terms spirituality and faith are used interchangeably. Both terms refer to what it means to be human and both incorporate self-transcendence to make sense of lived experiences by communicating with a higher source. Findings reveal that spirituality is an important resource that supports career sustainability for Christian African-American principals who lead U.S. urban public schools. In particular, this article provides critical voices of educational leaders, from urban high-poverty public school contexts, who integrate their spirituality/faith within their leadership role. The article helps to fill the literature gap in workplace spirituality, educational leadership, and career sustainability and offers implications for scholars and practitioners.

Influence of Organizational Technology on Administrative Performance of Public Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of organizational technology on administrative performance in public secondary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study adopted a mixed-method research design. The study targeted 352 principals in public secondary schools and 11 Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers in Nakuru County. Using stratified random sampling, a sample size of 106 principals and 4 Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (30 % of the population) was selected. Data collection methods included questionnaires administered to principals and interviews conducted with Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (SCQASO). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. A pre-test involving 11 schools in Nyandarua County confirmed the reliability of the research instruments, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.805. The findings reveals a strong and significant correlation between organizational technology and administrative performance (r = 0.876, p = 0.004). It was concluded that organizational technology, significantly influenced the administrative performance of principals, ultimately enhancing school effectiveness. To improve public secondary school administration, it is recommended that operational efficiency be enhanced, and technology be integrated.

Influence of Organizational Roles on Administrative Performance of Public Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of organizational roles on administrative performance in public secondary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study adopted a mixed-method research design. The study targeted 352 principals in public secondary schools and 11 Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers in Nakuru County. Using stratified random sampling, a sample size of 106 principals and 4 Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (30 % of the population) was selected. Data collection methods included questionnaires administered to principals and interviews conducted with Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (SCQASO). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. A pre-test involving 11 schools in Nyandarua County confirmed the reliability of the research instruments, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.805. The study found that the correlation coefficients between organizational roles and administrative performance in public secondary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya (r = 0.567, p = 0.002) was strong and significant. Organizational role significantly influenced the administrative performance of principals, ultimately enhancing school effectiveness. To improve public secondary school administration, it is recommended that clearly defined administrative roles be established.

The role of public school principals and teachers in developing the social responsibility of students with learning disabilities: a joint perspective

IntroductionPublic school principals and teachers are crucial in shaping students with learning disabilities to become socially responsible individuals. Beyond academics, educators use adaptive teaching and leadership to instill values of empathy, cooperation, and civic duty in these students, ensuring they can contribute positively to their communities.AimThe present study aimed to identify the role of government school principals and teachers in developing the social responsibility of students with learning disabilities in the Kasbah of Salt from their viewpoint.MethodA descriptive analytical approach was used, where a random sample was taken from the principals and teachers of some of the Kasbah Al-Salt schools for the primary stage, and thus the sampling unit consisted of (106) principals and teachers, and the scale was sed, and it includes (27) items distributed on three dimensions of social responsibility (education, preservation Environment, community service).ResultsAccording to the findings of the study, the degree of social responsibility among students who have learning difficulties is comparable to the average level. However, the study also discovered that there are disparities in the level of social responsibility due to the gender variable, and these differences are in favor of males. In addition, there were no differences that could be considered statistically significant between the levels of social responsibility and the educational level variable.Scientific noveltyThe study’s novelty lies in its exploration of educators’ views on fostering social responsibility in students with learning disabilities in the specific context of the Kasbah of Salt. The research uses a descriptive analytical method, focuses on primary schools in Kasbah Al-Salt, employs the structured Melhem (2018) scale for evaluation, and reveals gender as a significant factor in social responsibility, while educational level is not.

Principal–Teacher Relationships Under the Pressure of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Critical Factors and Implications for School Leadership During Crises

This paper aims to present the views of Greek school principals on whether and how working amid the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affected principal–teacher relationships. It mainly focuses on the factors that contributed to the quality and course of these relationships. A qualitative methodology was adopted. Data were collected from 57 principals of public primary and secondary schools who answered the open-ended questions of an online questionnaire. Written answers were analyzed using the method of thematic analysis. The analysis revealed that, given the adverse working conditions, principal–teacher relationships were affected to varying degrees and in different ways in each school unit. For forty-seven percent of principals, the relationships remained unaffected; for forty percent, the relationships worsened; and for thirteen percent, they became stronger. It was found that teacher-related factors (attitude towards increased duties/obligations and ability to manage stress and fear), as well as work climate-related factors (communication and interaction, togetherness, and pre-existing work climate) contributed to the course of principal–teacher relations amid the pandemic. The findings provide practical and theoretical implications for school leadership and human resources management in a crisis context.

The degree of availability of supervisory competencies related to modern teaching strategies for school principals from the point of view of Ma’an education teachers

The study aims to reveal the degree to which the managers of schools affiliated to Ma'an education possess supervisory competencies associated with modern teaching strategies. the researcher used the descriptive survey method to achieve the purposes of the current study. The results of the study showed that the managers of Public Schools in Ma'an have supervisory competencies associated with modern teaching strategies to a generally high degree with an arithmetic mean (4.0575) and a standard deviation (.593). The study recommended that Ministry of Education should pay attention to the development of extension competencies associated with the use of modern teaching strategies among public school principals.

The Degree to Which Public School Principals Possess Artificial Intelligence Applications in the Karbala Governorate Education Directorate

The study aims to identify the degree of possession of government school principals in the Karbala Governorate Education Directorate of artificial intelligence applications. The descriptive analytical approach was used. To achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire which contained (34) items was developed, divided into five dimensions. The study community was (114) male and female principals. The study sample consisted of (94) male and female managers, and the sample was selected randomly. The results of the study showed that the degree of possession of government school principals in the Karbala Governorate Education Directorate of artificial intelligence applications was average. The results of the study also showed that there were no statistically significant differences at the significance level (α=0.05) attributed to the study variables (gender, academic qualification, experience in artificial intelligence techniques). In light of the study results, the researchers recommended several recommendations, most notably: paying attention to training courses in the field of information and communications technology, especially in the subject of artificial intelligence, by organizing meetings and workshops with the aim of raising awareness among individuals and society about the importance of artificial intelligence, encouraging the Iraqi Ministry of Education to its teaching staff and providing them with incentives to employ artificial intelligence applications in their administrative and educational work, introducing artificial intelligence applications into curricula and courses and paying attention to them, and providing specialized teaching staff in this field.

Principals Quality Management Strategies in Administration of Secondary Schools in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study investigated the quality management practices of secondary school administrators in Bayelsa State. A total of 485 principals from Bayelsa State's public secondary schools made up the study's population, and it used an ex-post facto research approach. Because 485 public secondary school principals made up a reasonable portion of the total population, researchers were able to conduct their experiment using the cluster sampling approach. Researchers collected the data using a 32-item structured questionnaire. "Principal Management Strategies for Quality Secondary Education Questionnaire" was the name of the structured questionnaire. A four-point scale was used to develop the instrument: SA = 4, agree = 3, disagree = 2, and SD = 1. The reliability analysis generated a coefficient of 0.731 after the instrument's confirmation. We used the mean score to look at the survey results. Bayelsa State's principals used strategies for quality management in secondary schools, including planning, organizing, staffing, and coordinating. The research concluded that the government should select capable principals who can work closely with educators to accomplish school goals and implement quality management practices.

Principals’ Records-Keeping Practices and School Effectiveness in Ilorin Metropolis Secondary Schools

The research focuses on the record-keeping practices of principals in public secondary schools in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Two research questions and one research hypothesis were raised to guide the study. A descriptive survey research design was employed, allowing for self-reporting of information without manipulating variables. The sample included 121 principals and 155 vice principals from four Local Government Areas. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire, "Principals' Records Keeping Practices and School Effectiveness Questionnaire (PRMPSEQ)," developed from a literature review. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found a positive correlation between these two aspects, indicating that effective records management is crucial for achieving high levels of school effectiveness. The study found a moderate level of effectiveness in principals' records-keeping practices, with areas for improvement identified in record retrieval, disposal, use and archiving. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between principals' record-keeping practices and school effectiveness in public secondary schools in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Overall, the findings provide valuable information for policymakers and school administrators in Ilorin metropolis, suggesting that enhancing records management practices could be a strategic approach towards improving school effectiveness and ultimately, the quality of education for students. The findings suggest that schools should prioritise continuous improvement in their records management systems, focusing on enhancing retrieval, disposal, utilisation, and archiving practices. Recommendations include enhancing records management training, implementing standardised systems, investing in technology and conducting regular audits.

The Impact of the Educational Counselor in Promoting Student Achievement Level in Government Schools at Irbid Governorate From School Principal Perspective

One of the purposes and objectives of this research is to identify and assess the impact of the effectiveness of a school counselor on the academic success of students-an effectiveness that is manifested through the provision of academic, psychosocial, and vocational support to students, as well as through the facilitation of the interactions among students, teachers, and parents. In order to accomplish this study, the opinions of 180 public school principals were sought, and they were selected randomly to allow unbiased and generalizable interpretations of the principals in the governorate of Irbid to be the research population. A survey method was employed for data collection, and it consisted of a survey specifically designed for this research study, which contained several paragraphs related to the primary areas of the school counselor's role, as listed above. The responses collected were analyzed by establishing the means and the standard deviations. This research aimed to understand better the significant contribution that school counselors can offer in enhancing the educational process and academic progress within public schools in Irbid. It also confirmed that the multi-faceted support that they provide is essential. Results. In the study evaluating the role of the educational counselor within the scope of the public schools of Irbid, the results of which have been collected from school principals, the work provides a positive evaluation of the perceived influence of the counselors in terms of students' academic achievement across four primary dimensions: academic support that had a mean of 4.2 and a standard deviation of 0.8; psychological support with a mean of 4.0 and standard deviation of 0.9; vocational guidance with a mean of 3.8 and a standard deviation of 0.7; and interaction with parents and teachers with a mean of 4.1 and a standard deviation of 0.6. Such results reveal a high appreciation of the importance of the role of the educational counselor in improving the educational environment and the comprehensive support for the student as the role of the counselor has been exposed as a practical element in supporting the student academically and psychologically, guiding the student professionally, and in addition promoting effective communication between the school and the family.

The Impact of Efficient Strategic Planning on Sound School Administration Among Public School Principals in Saudi Arabia

This study came to complete the role that previous researchers began by focusing on strategic planning and linking it to an effective school administration in secondary public schools in Saudi Arabia to reach results and recommendations that may benefit principals, supervisors, and workers in the field of education. The study used the descriptive analytical approach and developed a questionnaire as an instrument, which was administered to 122 school principals from public schools in Saudi Arabia. The results concluded that the five areas each received a very high relative weight, and this reinforces the importance of school principals using strategic planning in their schools because of its great benefit in increasing the effectiveness of school administration. The findings showed no statistically significant differences between the averages of the study sample’s estimates on the role of strategic planning in increasing the effectiveness of school administration due to years of experience, as all school principals need strategic planning because of its importance and because of its novelty, which limits the number of years of service.

The Degree of Transformational Leadership Practice among Public and Private Secondary School Principals in the Capital Municipality of Sana'a

This study aimed to determine the degree to which transformational leadership dimensions are practiced by public and private secondary school principals in the Capital Municipality of Sana'a, from the perspective of teachers. A descriptive-analytical approach was employed to achieve the study's objectives. The study sample consisted of (899) male and female teachers. Data was collected using a questionnaire, and a number of inferential statistical methods were used for analysis. The study found that the degree of transformational leadership practice among public and private school principals in the Capital Municipality of Sana'a, as perceived by teachers, was high, with a mean of (4.02). The dimensions were ranked in descending order as follows: (idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individual consideration, and empowering teachers). The study also found statistically significant differences in the responses of the sample members regarding the degree of transformational leadership practice among public and private secondary school principals which could be attributed to the variable of teacher qualification and school type; the differences were in favor of the non-educational university qualification category and in favor of the private schools' category. The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences attributed to the variables of (school principal gender, teacher gender, and years of teaching experience). The study provided several recommendations in light of its findings, the most important of which is to hold training courses and professional development programs for principals to raise the level of their practice of transformational leadership behaviors.

Bridging the Generational Gap between the Teachers and Students in the Utilization of Modern Technology in the Teaching Methods in Public Secondary Schools in Delta State

Purpose: The study focused on bridging the generational gap between the teachers and students in the utilization of modern technology in the teaching methods in secondary schools in Delta State. Two research questions were raised and two null hypotheses were formulated in the study. Methodology: The descriptive survey design was used. The population for this study comprised all public secondary school principals and teachers in Delta State. The sample for this study was 1533 and it is made up of 100 principals and 1433 teachers in Delta State public secondary schools selected from 12 Local Government Areas. Principals represented 50% while teachers represent 10% of the population. A self developed questionnaire was design titled “Bridging the Generational gap between the Teachers and Students in the Utilization of Modern Technology Questionnaire (BGTSUMTQ)”, validated and its reliability equally determined via a pilot study using test re-test reliability technique with a coefficient index of 0.96 was used. The research questions raised were answered using percentage for the study. The researcher employed descriptive statistic of mean scores and standard deviation to provide answers to the research questions while Pearson Product Moment Statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings: The findings revealed that there are factors that are associated with the utilization of modern technology in teaching methods in public secondary schools in Delta State. The use of technology in education is influenced by the following factors such as teacher factor, organizational factor, technological factor and student factor. It also showed that there are strategies to be adopted to improve teachers and students in the utilization of modern technology in teaching methods in public secondary schools in Delta State. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the findings, it therefore concluded that as a catalyst for massive change, technology has improved our existing understanding by assisting educators and students in making the most use of cutting-edge teaching techniques in Delta State public secondary schools.

The Level of Social Intelligence and its Relationship with professional Competencies of School Principals in Jordan

The current study aimed to reveal the level of social intelligence among school principals in Bani Kinana District in Jordan, and its relationship to the level of their professional competencies. The researcher used the descriptive analytical method, where the study sample consisted of (98) individuals. To achieve the objectives of the study a "questionnaire" was prepared and used to collect its data after verifying its validity and reliability, and using the SPSS program to analyze its data. The results of the study showed: The level of social intelligence among the principals of public schools in the Bani Kenana District, from their viewpoint was at medium level. And the level of professional competencies came at medium level. There is a positive, statistically significant correlation at the level (α ≤ 0.05) between the average estimates of the sample members on the social intelligence level scale and their estimates on the professional competency scale. There are no statistically significant differences at the level (α ≤ 0.05) between the average estimates of the sample members on all areas of the level of social intelligence & professional competencies among the principals of public schools in the Bani Kenana District according to the different study variables (gender, educational qualification, years of administrative experience). In light of the results, the study came out with several recommendations, including: - Number of training courses and programs for the development and activation of social intelligence among school principals. - Work to develop the professional competencies of school principals so that they can perform their duties and work tasks with distinction and mastery, which is positively reflected on the outputs that achieve the desired and desired goals of the educational process.

Competitive grants in autonomous public schools: how school principals are labouring for public school funding

AbstractThis paper examines competitive grants for public schools, as a form of additional funding from the government. We draw on interviews with principals from different states in Australia to examine systemic impacts of competitive grants for public schools, exploring this in relation to school autonomy. Public school principals are labouring to generate additional school funding via competitive applications from the traditional state government, to supplement their core or regular government funding. The competitive applications are to fund what many would consider rudimentary or fundamental resources, such as school infrastructure and student wellbeing programs. For the interviewed principals, the drive to generate more funding was anchored within significant government funding shortfalls in public schools. The majority of interviewees did not find the funding model to be ‘needs-based’ or responsive. Autonomous public schools presented many paradoxes and contradictions, particularly in under-funded contexts; whilst on one hand, principals are tasked with managing their budgets, the majority experienced the environment as highly inflexible and often punitive, laden with bureaucratic red tape. The majority of interviewees expressed notions of responsibilisation for generating additional funds. In this context, we found that competitive funding applications increase school principal work intensification, with principals spending excessive time labouring to generate additional funding via competitive grant applications, in order to fund essential school projects. The labour involved in completing time-demanding funding applications supplants their traditional responsibilities and is critically reshaping their role as a school principal, to one of ‘grant applier’ and fundraiser, reinforcing the retreat of the traditional state.

Evaluating teacher competencies in Pakistan's public schools: Enhancing the impact of professional development programs

Professional Development (PD) programs in Pakistan typically follow a standardized approach, often overlooking the diverse strengths and weaknesses of various teacher groups, which may not adequately address their specific needs. This study aims to evaluate teacher competencies among different groups from the perspective of school principals in Pakistan's public schools, with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of PD programs. Initially, the study identifies three key themes of 21st-century teacher competencies through an extensive review of recent literature. An interview guide, based on these competencies, was used to gather data from seven public school principals via structured interviews. The data were analyzed using a deductive content analysis approach, with MAXQDA software employed for theme coding. The findings revealed notable differences in teacher competencies from the principals' perspectives. Female and younger teachers exhibited more competencies compared to their male and senior counterparts. These insights provide crucial information for planning and customizing Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programs, emphasizing an objective evaluation of teachers rather than self-assessment. Tailored PD programs based on these findings can more effectively enhance teachers' professional growth and competence."

Rethinking the Role of the Principal in the Strategic Management of Human Capital in Public Secondary Schools in Zimbabwe

Effective leadership and management are at the centre of the strategic management of human capital in education. Principals in schools as organizations promote the effective execution of strategies by coordinating staff members toward accomplishing school goals and objectives to improve student outcomes. Principals are critical in implementing strategic plans and providing a conducive setting for teaching and learning that allows human capital to grow and perform better. Principals must be strategic and forward-thinking by aligning school systems, culture, and processes to achieve all goals. Principals in public secondary schools in Zimbabwe face challenges in strategically managing human capital. Evidence mainly points to the teachers’ low motivation levels and lack of training and coherence in support mechanisms that would enable principals to strategically manage human capital in Zimbabwean schools. Thus, this necessitates the need to rethink the role of the principal. The study aimed to explore ways to rethink and redefine the principal’s role in Zimbabwean schools where education is in crisis. Following an interpretivist paradigm, a qualitative approach using a case study design was employed to gather data. The study found a need for policy change to strengthen the principal’s management and instructional leadership role when managing human capital effectively in schools. Such a bold move would pave the way for an upgrade in principals’ leadership and management capacities so they can effectively manage teacher performance and thereby improve academic performance.

The Degree of Public-School Principals in the Bani Obaid District Education Directorate’s Practice of the Principles of the Three-Dimensional Leadership Theory (Reddin) and Its Relationship to Teachers’ Job Performance

The Degree of Public-School Principals in the Bani Obaid District Education Directorate’s Practice of the Principles of the Three-Dimensional Leadership Theory (Reddin) and Its Relationship to Teachers’ Job Performance