Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ph.D. Student of Instructional Administration, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran.
2
Associate Professor of Educational Management, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: In the 21st century, the development of school leadership skills as the largest and most important aspect of school life in school excellence and the development of its learners' achievements is a must. In this sense, quality improvement and fundamental change in schools depend not only on the quality and managerial and professional competencies of principals, but also to a large extent on their leadership skills.
research methodology: The present study was performed with mixed method methodology. The statistical population in the qualitative section includes university professors with scientific achievements in the field of leadership and educational management; In the quantitative section, there were 200 principals with a history of secondary schools in Garmsar city in the 2019-2020 academic year. Sampling method in the qualitative part of the type of snowball and the sample size with theoretical saturation, 15 people were determined. The data collection tool in the qualitative part was a semi-structured interview and in the quantitative part was a structured questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.82). To analyze the data, in the qualitative part, open, axial and selective coding methods were performed, and in the quantitative part, the Friedman’s test was used.
Findings: Among the dimensions of educational leaders' skills, interpersonal skills had the highest priority and individual and behavioral, organizational and professional-specialized skills were classified in the next ranks, respectively. Finally, it was suggested to pay attention to the dimensions of educational leadership skills and their priority in selecting, appointing and even evaluating performance, as well as developing educational programs and content related to the skills of school leaders.
Conclusion: It seems that among the dimensions of educational leaders' skills in schools, the role of interpersonal skills of educational leaders through change, entrepreneurship, participation, management and policy implementation, can best lead to desirable changes in the factors.
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