School Heads Research Articles

Developing quality schools: A content analysis of principals’ practices, stressors, and support factors

School heads or principals have various roles in developing school quality, which can often be stressful. In this study we investigated principals’ perceptions of quality schools, the practices performed to improve quality, and the stress and support factors involved. We adopted a qualitative inductive content analysis approach to analyse the transcribed data collected from 14 principals of senior high schools in the Volta region of Ghana. The findings show that principals perceive quality schools as having high academic performance, quality teachers, and adequate resources coordinated in a well organised system. Furthermore, the results reveal practices that principals perform to improve school quality, such as promoting staff professional development, supporting students’ intellectual and skills development, supervising teachers, and providing resources. On the other hand, supervision, non-cooperation of some teachers, inadequate resources, and administrative bureaucracy were revealed as causes of stress in improving school quality. Facing these challenges, the principals relied on their academic qualifications and experiences when engaging in practices to improve school quality. We recommend further research on the possibility of principals using technology to monitor the presence of teachers in classrooms from their offices.

QUALITY OF WORK LIFE AND JOB SATISFACTION OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY TEACHERS IN DAVAO ORIENTAL DIVISION

The study explored the relationship of quality of work life and job satisfaction of teachers. This claim needs to be validated. However, this had never been explored specifically in the local setting. With this, the study determined the extent of quality of work life of teachers and the job satisfaction of public elementary teachers in Davao Oriental Division. Also, it investigated the association of the involved variables and the domains of quality of work life of teachers that significantly influenced job satisfaction. With the use of probability sampling, 150 elementary teachers in the public schools were selected as the respondents. Utilizing the descriptive-correlational survey method, the data collated were analyzed through the use of Mean, Product-Moment correlation and Regression Analysis. Results revealed that there was an extensive quality of work life of teachers and an extensive job satisfaction. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the two variables. Moreover, all domains of quality of work life of teachers were found to have significantly influence job satisfaction. Based on the findings, it was further suggested that higher officials in the Department of Education and school heads may identify means on how to provide teachers an excellent quality of work life to let them feel satisfied of their teaching jobs. More so, future researchers may further explore the involved variables considering other factors and research methods. KEYWORDS: Quality of work life, job satisfaction, descriptive correlation, Davao Oriental Division, Philippines

Bridging Mother Tongue Instruction: Linguistic Dilemma of Public School Teachers

This study unfolded the experiences of teachers of Talomo District, Davao City on the use of mother tongue instruction. There were eight (8) teachers who participated in the study. This study made use of a phenomenological approach to extract the ideas of the participants. The participants were purposely selected as representatives from the group of school teachers in the same division. The virtual in-depth-interview was employed to gather some information as regards to their respective experiences on the use of mother tongue instruction as part of the teaching profession. Using the thematic analysis, the following themes emerged as pertains to the experiences of the participants: inadequate learning materials, unfamiliarity on profound vernacular words, student relying on mother tongue. The coping mechanisms to address the struggles of Self Learning Modules were: Adaptability to challenges, utilizing online educational resources, taking advantage of the ease of speaking the mother tongue. The educational management insight gained from the experiences of the teachers was primarily focused on providing teachers with high quality instructional materials. The principals may be more receptive on the current problems and issues of the teachers. The school heads may equip the teachers and students with proper materials throughout the school year. The teachers may continuously adapt coping mechanisms to address issues and be vigilant in finding classroom solutions to their problems.

Effect of Guidance and Counseling on Teenager Pregnancies in Public Secondary Schools

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of guidance and counselling on teenage pregnancies in public secondary schools in the Kyerwa district, Kagera, Tanzania. The study used a mixed-methods research approach supported by a convergent parallel research design. The participants in this study were 110 (i.e., 10 Heads of schools, 10 Teacher Counselors and 90 Girl students). Data collection instruments were questionnaires, focus group discussions and semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program version 28.0 and interpreted in table forms using means and standard deviations while qualitative data were transcribed and thematically analyzed through quotes and narrations. The findings established that school-related risky behaviours leading to teenage pregnancies are sexual relationships with villagers, failure to use condoms, favours, and gifts. Students perceive that guidance and counselling help them in reducing unwanted pregnancies among them, sexually transmitted infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. It is also evident that the number of drop-outs because of early pregnancies dropped from 12 girlstudents in 2019 to 8 in 2020. Teacher-counsellors are challenged with other obligations which make them not available when needed, not trusted by female students for fear of the same being exposed and shy among female students. It is concluded that guidance and counselling reduce teenage pregnancies in public secondary schools. Recommendations for action and further research are suggested.

Cultivating Resilience: Multiple Case Study of School Heads’ Leadership in Integrated Senior High Schools

School leaders must be resilient in order to navigate the always shifting challenges in the field of education. This study employed a qualitative multiple case study, having three (3) distinct cases aimed to explore the perspectives of the school heads on resilient leadership in integrated senior high schools of Division of Davao de Oro. There were three (3) participants and six (6) informants underwent in-depth interviews. Participants were chosen through a purposive sampling technique. Each data was analyzed through thematic analysis and cross-case analysis. Case 1’s unique characteristics were resource management and optimization, hierarchical communication and strategic delegation, and crisis management and contingency planning. Participant experiences were complex stakeholder management, innovative problem-solving, and resilience amidst bureaucratic challenges. In times of challenges, the coping mechanism was structured decision-making processes delegation and team empowerment professional support networks. The policy recommendations were promotion of interpersonal communication skills, development of community engagement strategies, and investment in staff well-being programs. Further, Case 3’s unique characteristics were the following: strategic financial management and sustainability, stakeholder engagement and partnerships, brand differentiation and market positioning. The experiences were cultivating philanthropic relationships, navigating parental expectations, and ensuring financial sustainability. The coping mechanisms were strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives, ethical leadership and values integration, and self-care and well-being practices while the policy recommendations were introduction of ethics and values integration policies, creation of leadership succession plans, and investment in infrastructure and technology. Moreover, cross-case analysis shows each case about distinct characteristics and commonalities such as strategic vision and planning, effective communication and collaboration, and resource management and optimization. Each case has distinct experiences, the common themes were resourcefulness and creativity, and community engagement and collaboration. Their coping mechanisms were effective leadership practices and ethical leadership and well-being. Their policy recommendations were leadership development policies and data-informed policies. This suggests that resilient leadership was crucial for school heads in managing and leading integrated senior high schools, despite the challenges and circumstances they faced in their workplace. Both teachers and learners benefit from the leadership styles promoted by the school heads.

School Plant Management for Effective Teaching Delivery in Senior Secondary Schools in Rivers State

The study examined school plant management for effective teaching delivery in senior secondary schools in Rivers State. The study design was descriptive survey design while the population of the study comprised of 6,657 teacher and 302 principals in public senior secondary schools in River state. The sample consists of 823 respondents (principals and teacher) of government senior secondary schools which representing 12% of the entire population. Three research questions and three corresponding null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A self -structured questionnaire titled “School Plant management for effective teaching delivery questionnaire” with 22 items was used. The instrument was duly validated by two experts from measurement and evaluation and a reliability index of 0.84 was established. The findings of the study revealed typed of school plants in secondary schools, the respondents agreed that inadequate funding, lack of training, overcrowded class room e.t.c., are challenges of utilization school plant. Furthermore, the study revealed that the respondents agreed that all the items listed were the strategies for managing school plants. The study recommended amongst others that government and other stake holders of education should provide adequate school plants for efficiency and effectiveness in the system, stake holders of education should address the various challenges of utilizing school plants and that heads of schools, school personnel and students should be trained and be re-trained on the various strategies of managing school plants.

Utilization of Language Strategies in Teaching Grade 10 Mathematics of Narvacan National Central High School

This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of Language Strategies in teaching Grade 10 Mathematics at Narvacan National Central High School during the 4th quarter of the SY 2022-2023. Specifically, it focused on the profile of the students, their level of performance in language strategies, and their mathematics performance. It further determined the relationship between the students’ profile and the level of performance in language strategies, the students’ profile and their level of participation, the students’ performance in language strategies and their mathematics performance, and the problem encountered by the teachers in teaching mathematics using language strategies. This study used a quantitative research approach employing the correlational research design. The research design is a combined description, evaluative and correlational design. This study made use of a questionnaire consisting of two parts, the performance of the students when using language strategies and the 4th quarter grades of the learners in Mathematics. Hence, it is recommended students will participate in every activity or discussion related to the different language strategies. The performance of the students may be improved by sustaining the utilization of Language Strategies in Teaching Mathematics. Teachers and school heads are encouraged to innovate programs or activities that address issues related to low comprehension and low retention of students.

Resilience during the Pandemic: A Teacher’s Recollection

This study unfolded the experiences of the teachers of Talomo District, Davao City on how they practiced resiliency during the pandemic. There were eight (8) teachers who participated in the study. This study made use of a phenomenological approach to extract the ideas of the participants. The participants were purposely selected as representatives from the group of school teachers in the same division. The virtual in-depth-interview was employed to gather some information as regards to their respective experiences on maintaining resiliency despite the challenges on teaching profession during the pandemic. Using the thematic analysis, the following themes emerged as pertains to the experiences of the participants: work overload, uncertainties and lack of support. The coping mechanisms to address the struggles during the pandemic were: problem solving with other teachers, adapting to the changes and destressing activities. The educational management insights gained from the experiences of the teachers was primarily focused on taking mental health seriously and to seek professional help if necessary. The principals may be more receptive on the current problems and issues of the teachers. The school heads may equip the teachers with better psychological support throughout the school year. The teachers may continuously adapt coping mechanisms to address issues in the classroom and personal struggles.

School Heads Skills on Managing Resources and Professionalism of Public Elementary Teachers in Davao Del Norte Division

School Heads Skills on Managing Resources and Professionalism of Public Elementary Teachers in Davao Del Norte Division

Relational Leadership of School Heads as Determinant of Stakeholder Involvement in Public Secondary Schools in IGACOS Division

Relational Leadership of School Heads as Determinant of Stakeholder Involvement in Public Secondary Schools in IGACOS Division

Technological And Interpersonal Skills of Paternal Leadership of School Heads in Public Elementary Schools: A Teacher’s Perspective

Technological And Interpersonal Skills of Paternal Leadership of School Heads in Public Elementary Schools: A Teacher’s Perspective

Analyzing effects of managerial skills of government high school heads on school performance: a study of schools of Larkana District

Abstract Present study aimed at investigating the effects of the managerial skills of school heads on academic performance of students in district Larkana, Sindh. The major objectives of the study was to determine specific managerial skills of school heads, effects of those skill of performance of high schools of Larkana and strategies to improve them. Saturated sampling techniques was utilized for selecting respondents of present study. Additionally, twenty five government high heads of Larkana District were considered for collecting data. Close-ended and open-ended questionnaires were utilized for gathering data. Reliability was tested using Cronbach Coefficient Aloha where coefficient 0.757 was considered to be realizable. Analyzed data were showed in APA style tables. The analyzed data showed that most of the government high school heads of Larkana District were able to utilize numerous managerial skills that were effecting school performance. However, for further improving their skills different strategies were needed to be implemented. It was also suggested that high school heads should be dedicated to their built-in managerial skills and use them in their daily duties. While, they also should facilitate numerous opportunities to attend training and workshops for positively effecting the school performance.

Evaluating 21st-Century Skills in English Language Teaching (ELT) in Surigao Del Norte, Philippines: A Needs Assessment for Teachers Development

This study examined the 21st-century teaching skills of English language teachers (ELTs, n=117) and the observations of school heads (n=26) in the Surigao del Norte division (Philippines) for the 2023-2024 school year. Teachers' profiles and their self-perceptions in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, creativity, digital literacy, and global awareness were assessed through surveys. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were employed to analyze the data and compare perceptions between ELTs and school heads. While the findings revealed a generally strong foundation in 21st-century skills among ELTs, a specific need for targeted support in digital literacy was identified. Additionally, discrepancies were found between teachers' self-reported skills and how school heads observed them being applied in the classroom. These findings highlight the importance of triangulation in evaluating teaching effectiveness. The study proposes recommendations that focus on professional development, resource allocation, collaborative learning communities, and feedback mechanisms to create an environment that empowers ELTs to effectively integrate 21st-century skills into their classrooms, ultimately preparing students for success in today's world.

DISTRIBUTED LEADERSHIP OF SCHOOL HEADS AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC SECONDARY TEACHERS OF PANABO CITY DIVISION

The study uncovered the relationship between distributive leadership of school heads and organizational commitment of teachers in public secondary schools of Panabo City Division. Also, it investigated the association of the involved variables and the domains of distributive leadership of school heads that significantly influence the organizational commitment of teachers. With the use of probability sampling, 150 secondary teachers in the public schools were selected as the respondents. Utilizing the descriptive-correlational survey method, the data collated were analyzed through the use of Weighted Mean, Product-Moment correlation and Regression Analysis. Results revealed that there was an extensive distributive leadership of school heads and an extensive organizational commitment of teachers. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the two variables. Moreover, all domains of distributive leadership of school heads were found to have significantly influence on organizational commitment of teachers. Based on the findings, it was further suggested that higher officials in the Department of Education may identify means on how to help the school heads in strengthening their distributive leadership to ensure a reinforced organizational commitment among teachers. KEYWORDS: Distributive leadership, organizational commitment, descriptive correlation, Panabo City Division

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS IN RELATION TO EMPOWERMENT OF PUBLIC SECONDARY TEACHERS IN PANABO CITY DIVISION

The study explored the relationship between human resource management operations and empowerment of teachers in public secondary schools of Panabo City Division. Also, it investigated the association of the involved variables and the domains of human resource management operations that significantly influenced empowerment of teachers. With the use of probability sampling, 150 secondary teachers in the public schools were selected as the respondents. Utilizing the descriptive-correlational survey method, the data collated were analyzed through the use of Mean, Product-Moment correlation and Regression Analysis. Results revealed that there was extensive human resource management operations and an extensive empowerment of teachers. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the two variables. Moreover, all domains of human resource management operations were found to have significantly influenced empowerment of teachers. Based on the findings, it was further suggested that higher officials in the Department of Education may identify means on how to help the school heads in strengthening the human resource management operations to ensure empowerment among teachers. KEYWORDS: Human resource management operations, empowerment of teachers, descriptive correlation, Panabo City Division, Philippines

CHANGE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF SCHOOL HEADS AND INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOR OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY TEACHERS IN PANABO CITY DIVISION

The study explored the relationship between change management strategies of school heads and innovative work behavior of teachers in public elementary schools of Panabo City Division. Also, it investigated the association of the involved variables and the domains of change management strategies of school heads that significantly influenced the innovative work behavior of teachers. With the use of probability sampling, 150 elementary teachers in the public schools were selected as the respondents. Utilizing the descriptive-correlational survey method, the data collated were analyzed through the use of Mean, Product-Moment correlation and Regression Analysis. Results revealed that there was an extensive change management strategies of school heads and an extensive innovative work behavior of teachers. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the two variables. Moreover, all domains of change management strategies of school heads were found to have significantly influenced the innovative work behavior of teachers. Based on the findings, it was further suggested that higher officials in the Department of Education may find means to help the school heads in strengthening their change management strategies to motivate teachers to develop their innovative work behavior.

MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF PANABO CITY DIVISION

The study explored the relationship between management competencies of school heads and organizational excellence. This claim was substantiated. However, this had never been explored specifically in the local setting. With this, the study determined the extent of management competencies of school heads and organizational in public secondary schools of Panabo City Division. Also, it investigated the association of the involved variables and the domains of management competencies of school heads that significantly influenced organizational excellence. With the use of probability sampling, 150 secondary teachers in the public schools were selected as the respondents. Utilizing the descriptive-correlational survey method, the data collated were analyzed through the use of Mean, Product-Moment correlation and Regression Analysis. Results revealed that there was an extensive management competencies of school heads and an extensive organizational excellence. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the two variables. Moreover, all domains of management competencies of school heads were found to have significantly influenced organizational excellence. Based on the findings, it was further suggested that higher officials in the Department of Education may identify means on how to help the school heads in strengthening their management competencies to ensure the attainment of organizational excellence. KEYWORDS: Management competencies, organizational excellence, descriptive correlation, Panabo City Division, Philippines

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT AS A CONSTRUCT OF TEACHER PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN PANABO CITY DIVISION

The study uncovered the relationship between organizational support and teacher performance in public secondary schools of Panabo City Division. Also, it investigated the association of the involved variables and the domains of organizational support that significantly influenced teacher performance. With the use of probability sampling, 150 secondary teachers in the public schools were selected as the respondents. Utilizing the descriptive-correlational survey method, the data collated were analyzed through the use of Mean, Product-Moment correlation and Regression Analysis. Results revealed that there was an extensive organizational support and an extensive teacher performance. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the two variables. Moreover, all domains of organizational support were found to have significantly influenced teacher performance. Based on the findings, it was further suggested that higher officials in the Department of Education may identify means on how to help the school heads in extending organizational support to attain excellent performance among teachers. More so, future researchers may further explore the involved variables considering other factors and research methods. KEYWORDS: Organizational support, teacher performance, Panabo City Division, Philippi

RELATIONAL TRANSPARENCY OF SCHOOL HEADS AS A CONSTRUCT OF PROACTIVE BEHAVIOR OF PUBLIC SCHOOL ELEMENTARY TEACHERS IN PANABO CITY DIVISION

The study explored the relationship of relational transparency of school heads and proactive behavior of teachers in public elementary schools of Panabo City Division. Also, it investigated the association of the involved variables and the domains of relational transparency of school heads that significantly influenced proactive behavior of teachers. With the use of probability sampling, 150 secondary teachers in the public schools were selected as the respondents. Utilizing the descriptive-correlational survey method, the data collated were analyzed through the use of Mean, Product-Moment correlation and Regression Analysis. Results revealed that there was an extensive relational transparency of school heads and an extensive proactive behavior of teachers. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the two variables. Moreover, all domains of relational transparency of school heads were found to have significantly influenced on proactive behavior of teachers. Based on the findings, it was further suggested that higher officials in the Department of Education may identify means on how to help the school heads in strengthening their relational transparency to strengthen the proactive behavior of teachers. More so, future researchers may further explore the involved variables considering other factors and research methods. KEYWORDS: Relational transparency, proactive behavior, Panabo City Division

Impact of integrating smartphones in the teaching and learning of Mathematics in Mberengwa district, Zimbabwe

Worldwide, the utility of smartphones in the teaching and learning of Mathematics has been greatly recognized and taken advantage of. This is mainly because of the precisions this technology can bring in the classroom. This study investigated the impact of integrating smart phones in the teaching and learning of Mathematics at secondary schools in Chegato Cluster in Mberengwa district, Zimbabwe. It also examined strategies that can be used to enhance the use of smartphones in these schools. The study used a mixed method approach where both qualitative and quantitative data was gathered and was used to answer the formulated research questions. Ten parents, 10 Mathematics teachers, 4 school heads and 40 learners participated in the study. The study found that the introduction of the competence-based curriculum by the ministry of Education in Zimbabwe, which is in solidarity with Education 5.0 calls for the use of smart phones in the teaching and learning of Mathematics which ensures that several modern skills are being acquired by learners in Chegato secondary schools. Learners in Chegato Cluster benefit by using smartphones to store soft copies of various Mathematics textbooks which are often scarce in hard-copy form. Students also benefit from Mathematical applications that are installed in their smartphones. Teachers use smartphones as media in the classroom to enhance learner-understanding of the concepts. Again, in Chegato, the use of smartphones has exposed learners to various Mathematical technological skills that help in the learning of Mathematics and has the potential of improving the pass rate. School heads and teachers acknowledged that the availability of smartphones in the schools has greatly assisted “O” level Mathematics learners to accomplish their tasks.Strategies that can be used to enhance the use of smartphones in secondary schools include the use of individualised student passwords which are controlled and monitored by the school administrators to ensure that the activities of each learner on the Internet can be tracked and any attempts by students to visit undesirable sites are detected. Also, the use of software applications, such as Mikrotik Hotspot Blocker, can be used to block students from accessing unsavoury Internet sites. The study concluded that though challenges such as lack of technological resources and some educators’ negative attitudes towards the use of smart phones affect Chegato Cluster, most participants found it helpful to use smartphones in the classroom because the gadget expose learners to new and better ways of dealing with Mathematical concepts. The study finally calls for all the involved parties in the cluster and beyond to actively take up their responsibilities facilitating the use of smartphones for the benefits of the students.