ABSTRACT
This study determines the significant relationship between the school head's instructional competence in enhancing teaching performance and academic performance of elementary learners. A descriptive-correlational research design utilizing the survey to determine the level of instructional competence of school heads taken from the study of Peralta (2023) and Vasquez et al., (2022). Moreover, to measure the teaching practices of the teachers, the researcher will utilize the classroom observation tool (COT). Finally, to measure the academic performance of the elementary learners, the researcher gathered the 1st quarter grades of the identified learners in all learning areas. The twenty-two (22) teachers, 1 school head and 100 randomly selected elementary learners were involved in the study. It was revealed in the study that there is a significant relationship between the level of management competence of school head in instructional supervision and performance of teachers based on Classroom Observation Tool (COT). Further, a significant relationship between the level of performance of teachers based on Classroom Observation Tool (COT) and academic performance of elementary learners for quarter 1 was also attained. When school heads provide focused, supportive, and developmental supervision, teachers are more likely to exhibit strong instructional behaviors, which in turn contribute to better learner performance. This result affirms the principle that the quality of teaching remains the strongest school-based predictor of student learning outcomes.
Keywords: School Head's Instructional Competence, Teaching Performance, Academic Performance, Elementary Learners
INTRODUCTION
Developing a teacher is not only the responsibility of district supervisor but also the responsibility of principals as leaders of learning in schools. The key task of the principal which is an integral part of his competence as the principal are managerial leadership and instructional leadership. It is to know the whole process of learning, mentoring teachers, and engage in learning activities at school (Arman, et al., 2016). The instructional competence of school principal as part of the school head supports the improvement of performance and motivation of teachers as agents of renewal in the field of education. Performance and motivation of teachers are closely related to the professionalism of teachers (Arman, et al., 2016).
One of the basics of a school principal as an instructional leader is to set a vision for the school, translate it into action steps, use innovative approaches to achieve vision and acquire the resources and support needed to pursue vision. Another important thing for school principals to do is to clearly communicate the vision and action plans to others and build culture within the school. They need to motivate the teachers with a compelling vision; effectively organize them, build the teachers’ leadership capacity, and create a distributed and collaborative leadership system to achieve goals; remove barriers and ensure them to have resources.
The success of a school depends heavily on the competence of the school head. This includes everything from ensuring academic progress to maintaining school safety. The ability, knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to perform their duties successfully and effectively are referred to as a person's competence. Although evaluating the effectiveness of the principal is more challenging than evaluating teacher performance, it is crucial to investigate how their actions relate to student, teacher, and school outcomes. School administrators are anticipated to be more adaptable during the pandemic in managing school resources and making wise decisions that weren't necessary before. Effective school leaders are prepared to handle the society's current rapid change and high expectations. However, 45% of school administrators in the US claimed that pandemic conditions are forcing them to leave their positions earlier than they had anticipated. School leaders have had a difficult time in the Philippines managing school resources, such as funding from the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) and other categories that call for proper liquidation. This is especially true in public schools within the Division of Laguna. The ability to plan and carry out tasks involving the acquisition and use of school funds must be possessed by school administrators. Hence, it is important that school heads must possess the necessary instructional competence to be able to provide appropriate technical assistance to teachers.
One of the crucial aspects of educational management in instructional supervision which may be defined as the process of bringing about improvement in the teaching-learning process through a network of cooperative activities and the democratic relationship of persons concerned with teaching and learning and is considered an important activity to achieve an effective education system (Oyewole and Ehinola, 2014). 014). Instructional supervision is a professional continuous, cooperative process for improving instruction. It is characterized by guidance, assistance, sharing of ideas, facilitation, or creation to help teachers improve the learning situation and quality of school learning. It is handholding for a professional colleague by a supervisor or instructional leader who possesses superior knowledge and skills and works collaboratively in a school environment that nurtures the development of a professional learning community (Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda). Thus, through the regular conduct of instructional supervision to teachers, teaching practices were improve and students' learning outcomes were attained. And it is in this premise that the researcher decided to conduct this study to determine the significant relationship between the school head's instructional competence in enhancing teaching practices and students' learning. A proposed instructional supervision plan was formulated based on the findings of the study.
This study determines the significant relationship between the school head's instructional competence in enhancing teaching performance and academic performance of elementary learners in San Jose Elementary School, Ormoc City District 7, Ormoc City Division. A proposed instructional supervision plan of school principals will be formulated based on the result of the study.
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