Introduction The purpose of this study was to explore how K-12 Equity Directors seek to build capacity in others for district equity work. Methods Using a sociotransformative constructivist approach, we interviewed 20 Equity Directors in two U.S. states. Results Results indicate the Equity Directors sought to build capacity in others for equity work through engaging in conversations intentionally, collaborating in authentic activity, working towards a sense of equity consciousness, and illuminating social location. Discussion The results may assist other school district office leaders who may or may not have someone designated as an Equity Director to build capacity in others beyond the district office to engage in equity work.
This study investigated assistant principals’ self-perceptions of their role as instructional leaders and examined the corresponding perceptions of principals. Grounded in Weber's (1996) instructional leadership model and using the Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS), this quantitative study surveyed assistant principals and principals from a large suburban district. Findings reveal a gap: assistant principals rated themselves higher in instructional leadership than their principals. The results indicate that the assistant principal role requires a clearer definition, targeted professional development, and leadership succession planning. These findings offer implications for educational leadership training and school district practices.
This study examined the alignment between professional development opportunities and instructional practices among public kindergarten teachers at West City Elementary School, Dumaguete City, during school year 2025–2026. Guided by the integrated Gibbs–ERA reflective framework, it employed a descriptive-correlational design and total enumeration of seven kindergarten teachers. Data were collected through an adapted structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank-order correlation. Respondents rated trainings and seminars (reported composite mean = 3.29), coaching and mentoring (3.48), classroom management (3.88), and teaching strategies (3.89) positively. Teachers particularly endorsed collaborative coaching, effective use of classroom time, supportive student–teacher relationships, differentiation, and adjustment of teaching strategies. Professional development opportunities had a very strong positive association with reported instructional practices (Spearman’s ρ = .860, p = .013, n = 7). These self-reported findings suggest that professional learning and instructional practice are closely aligned in the school, although the single-school, small-sample design cannot establish causality or verify changes in pupil outcomes. The study recommends sustained, school-based training, peer coaching, mentoring, instructional observation, and structured reflection to support transfer of professional learning to everyday teaching.
Students' ability to read the Qur'an and memorize short surahs at MI Muhammadiyah Sidorejo remains low. This condition is reflected in inaccurate hijaiyah letter pronunciation, limited reading fluency, and difficulties in memorizing short surahs accurately. An initial assessment of 32 students showed an average group score of 75. Method: The mentoring program was conducted over two months and involved 32 students and relevant school stakeholders in identifying learning needs, planning activities, implementing interventions, observing progress, and reflecting on the results. The talaqqi method was used through reading demonstrations, imitation, and direct correction, while tikrar was applied through repeated recitation to strengthen memorization. Data were collected through observation, practical assessments, and documentation, then analyzed by comparing average scores before and after the program. Findings: The average group score increased from 75 to 90, representing a 15-point difference or a 20% relative increase from the initial score. Conclusion: Structured mentoring through talaqqi and tikrar can support the development of Qur'anic reading and short-surah memorization skills. Novelty/Originality: This program integrates reading guidance and memorization practice into a single activity and documents its implementation and outcomes through observations and pre- and post-program score comparisons
Creativity is a core competency within Kenya’s Competency-Based Education framework, and Integrated Science offers opportunities for learners to investigate, collaborate, experiment, and apply scientific knowledge. However, limited context-specific evidence exists on how teachers combine instructional strategies to foster creativity in Junior School Integrated Science. This study assessed variations in teachers’ combined use of inquiry-based, collaborative, experiential and hands-on, and technology-enhanced strategies in public Junior Schools in Ainabkoi Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Guided by Piaget’s Cognitive Constructivist Theory, it adopted a pragmatic worldview and convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Questionnaires were completed by 81 Integrated Science teachers, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Lead Integrated Science Teachers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Collaborative learning recorded the highest use (M = 4.06, SD = 0.65), followed by inquiry-based learning (M = 3.94, SD = 0.66), experiential/hands-on learning (M = 3.54, SD = 0.53), and technology-enhanced instruction (M = 2.92, SD = 0.37). HCA yielded three exploratory profiles distinguished by relative emphasis on technology, inquiry and experiential learning, and collaboration. Interviews indicated that teachers adapted strategy combinations to lesson demands, resources, time, class size, and preparation requirements. The findings show variation in teachers’ reported practices, supporting differentiated professional development and improved access to practical and digital resources. Learner creativity was not directly measured.
This study was motivated by the low learning outcomes of fourth-grade students in Pancasila Education at UPTD SD Negeri 075062 Doli-Doli. In the pre-cycle assessment, only 4 of 19 students (21.05%) met the Learning Objective Achievement Criteria (KKTP). This study aimed to describe the implementation of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model and improve students’ learning outcomes through its application. The study employed classroom action research based on the Kemmis and McTaggart model and was conducted in two cycles. Each cycle consisted of planning, action, observation, and reflection. The participants were 19 fourth-grade students. Data were collected through observation, learning outcome tests, and documentation, then analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the average teacher activity score increased from 56.73% in Cycle I to 79.81% in Cycle II, while student activity increased from 59.71% to 80.59%. The average learning outcome score rose from 48.16 in the pre-cycle to 65.26 in Cycle I and 87.37 in Cycle II. Classical learning mastery also increased from 21.05% to 52.63% and 89.47%, respectively. Therefore, implementing PBL can improve the learning process and learning outcomes in Pancasila Education among fourth-grade students. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh rendahnya hasil belajar Pendidikan Pancasila siswa kelas IV UPTD SD Negeri 075062 Doli-Doli. Pada tahap pra-siklus, hanya 4 dari 19 siswa (21,05%) yang mencapai Kriteria Ketercapaian Tujuan Pembelajaran (KKTP). Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan penerapan model Problem Based Learning (PBL) dan meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa melalui penerapan model tersebut. Penelitian menggunakan metode Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) berdasarkan model Kemmis dan McTaggart yang dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus. Setiap siklus meliputi perencanaan, pelaksanaan tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Subjek penelitian berjumlah 19 siswa kelas IV. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, tes hasil belajar, dan dokumentasi, kemudian dianalisis secara deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata aktivitas guru meningkat dari 56,73% pada Siklus I menjadi 79,81% pada Siklus II, sedangkan aktivitas siswa meningkat dari 59,71% menjadi 80,59%. Nilai rata-rata hasil belajar meningkat dari 48,16 pada pra-siklus menjadi 65,26 pada Siklus I dan 87,37 pada Siklus II. Ketuntasan klasikal juga meningkat dari 21,05% menjadi 52,63% dan 89,47%. Dengan demikian, penerapan PBL dapat meningkatkan proses pembelajaran dan hasil belajar Pendidikan Pancasila siswa kelas IV.
Epistemic integration offers a way to specify the intellectual demands of vocational undergraduate study: students use concepts and evidence to justify a professional decision. This article develops that argument through a conceptual synthesis, two national teaching standards, and descriptive statistics from five education bulletins. China's vocational undergraduate enrollment rose from 129,300 in 2021 to 518,300 in 2025 as the number of providers increased from 32 to 87. Private institutions accounted for 68.8% of providers at the start of the period and 27.6% at its end. Against this changing institutional background, the proposed assessment procedure follows a student's reasoning through the framing of a problem, explanation of choices, verification of results, and application to changed conditions. Occupational performance and intellectual justification receive separate judgments based on evidence from the same learner and task. Curriculum coherence, joint educational provision, progressive practice, and teaching team capability form the organizational basis for this work. Their 24 diagnostic indicators connect program arrangements to evidence of learning. Three propositions specify how task design, guidance, and responsibility for review are expected to support integration. The research agenda concerns the consistency of these judgments and their use in improving subsequent learning opportunities.
This descriptive study examined the reported extent of best teaching practices among private secondary school teachers in the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk, Kalinga and Apayao, Philippines. The 2015 investigation involved 70 teachers from 10 private secondary schools and used a five-point survey questionnaire addressing teachers’ professional conduct, subject-matter expertise, student-centered teaching, experiential learning, moral development, critical thinking, and facilitation. Frequencies, percentages, weighted means, and reported analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) comparisons were used. Most respondents were female (74.29%), aged 20–30 years (91.43%), college graduates (65.71%), and had served for 1–10 years (95.71%). The overall reported mean for teaching practices was 4.72, classified as “Very Much Use.” Strongly rated practices included facilitating group dynamics (M = 4.97), demonstrating expertise in the field (M = 4.96), and content knowledge (M = 4.90). The original ANOVA summaries classified differences by civil status (F = 10.1274), educational attainment (F = 8.4656), and years of service (F = 7.1212) as significant, while gender (F = 0.7169) and age (F = 1.602) were not. Because some source calculations, degrees of freedom, and narrative interpretations conflict, inferential decisions require verification from the original data. Overall, teachers reported frequent implementation of professionally grounded, values-oriented, and learner-responsive practices. The findings support continued contextualized faculty development, equitable instructional resources, and careful evaluation of classroom practices.
This study explores examines the role of expert educators in leading cross-school professional learning networks (PLNs) that are intentionally embedded within a professional development program designed to which cultivate future-ready and inclusive school leaders in Hong Kong. Drawing on a qualitative, open-ended questionnaire-based report from 26 expert educators, including 21 expert principals (EP) and 5 senior expert principals (SEP), the research examines their roles and the challenges they face in fostering cross-school collaboration. The study identified five interrelated leadership practices employed by the EPs and SEPs, including (1) fostering intense collaboration; (2) facilitating reflection; (3) developing a shared sense of purpose; (4) supporting cross-boundary learning; and (5) embodying reciprocal learning. The study contributes to the growing literature on leadership development grounded in PLNs. The findings argue the significance of experts and their independent leadership strategies to establish cross-school PLNs, pointing out that trust and embodying reciprocal learning reinforce their sustained engagement in cross-school PLNs. This study prompts further exploration of how leadership can establish and sustain cross-school PLNs for leadership development. The findings inform policymakers and educational leaders about how to develop meaningful learning across schools. Recommendations are offered to educational policymakers and school management bodies to prioritize the strengthening of professional networks for leadership development through active participation and expert guidance in the field.
Effective school leadership is vital to school management, teacher performance, and quality education. This study examined the leadership skills, core behavioral skills, and administrative practices of public secondary school heads in the Schools Division of Cagayan de Oro City during the school year 2025–2026. It assessed key leadership and behavioral competencies and determined their relationships with administrative practices. A descriptive-correlational design was used, with universal sampling of 105 school heads. Data were gathered through a standardized questionnaire anchored on the Results-Based Performance Management System and the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation were used. Findings showed high levels of leadership skills, core behavioral skills, and administrative practices. People development was the strongest leadership dimension, while teamwork and innovation were the most evident core behavioral competencies. Managing school operations and resources, and focusing on teaching and learning, were among the strongest administrative practices. The study found significant positive relationships between leadership skills and administrative practices, and between core behavioral skills and administrative practices. The study concludes that effective school leadership requires a combination of people leadership, professional behavior, instructional leadership, strategic management, and administrative competence. It recommends needs-based leadership development, mentoring and coaching, stronger results-focused practices, ongoing instructional leadership training, stakeholder engagement, reflective practice, and individualized professional development plans to support the continued growth of school heads.
This study investigated how school leadership teams drive equity-centered instructional practices in K–12 schools. It aimed to synthesize contemporary research to identify leadership behaviors, structures, and conditions that contribute to equitable student learning environments. This qualitative literature review examined 10 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2019 and 2025. Studies were selected based on their focus on instructional leadership, equity, and K–12 educational contexts. A thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns and strategies across the literature. Five major themes emerged: (1) inclusive leadership that fosters shared decision-making and relational trust; (2) equity-focused leadership pipelines that prepare leaders to identify and address systemic barriers; (3) equity-oriented data practices that contextualize academic metrics and inform instructional change; (4) culturally responsive instruction supported by school-wide professional learning; and (5) collaborative leadership that centers family and community engagement. These themes were reinforced across studies involving varied contexts and leadership roles. The review was limited to studies published in English and focused primarily on U.S. educational contexts. Districts and policymakers can use these findings to design leadership preparation programs, refine professional development strategies, and align accountability frameworks with equity goals.
This study examined the relationships among teachers’ core behavioral competencies, professional performance, and students’ learning achievement in Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) in the Department of Education Districts of Ilog I and II, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study involved 38 MAPEH teachers and 190 students from ten public secondary schools, selected through total enumeration and proportional sampling, respectively. Data were gathered using a standardized questionnaire based on DepEd Order No. 2, s. 2015, teachers’ Individual Performance Commitment and Review Form (IPCRF) ratings, students’ academic records, and supplementary key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were employed. Findings revealed very high competencies in self-management (M = 3.826) and professionalism and ethics (M = 3.736), while result focus, teamwork, service orientation, and innovation were rated high. Teachers demonstrated very satisfactory professional performance (M = 3.557), whereas students achieved satisfactory academic performance in MAPEH (M = 84.142). Significant positive relationships were reported between result focus and teachers’ performance (r = .869, p = .028), innovation and students’ learning achievement (r = .797, p = .043), and teachers’ performance and students’ learning achievement (r = .797, p = .043). The findings highlighted the relevance of result-oriented practices, instructional innovation, and professional competence in supporting educational outcomes. Continuous professional development and a one-year competency enhancement plan were recommended to strengthen teaching effectiveness and student achievement. The study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by emphasizing teacher development and improved learning outcomes. Its contribution to educational and institutional sustainability lies in supporting continuous professional improvement, instructional innovation, and sustained educational quality in public secondary schools.
The development of artificial intelligence in education opens up opportunities to support learning while also raising ethical issues related to academic integrity and students’ digital responsibility. This article aims to analyze the role of character education as a foundation for guiding the use of artificial intelligence in relation to these two aspects. The study employs a literature review using a descriptive-qualitative approach. The findings indicate that the values of ṣidq and amanah provide a conceptual foundation for transparency in AI use, recognition of intellectual contributions, adherence to assignment guidelines, and accountability for learning processes and outcomes. Meanwhile, the values of tabayyun, respect for others, and a focus on the common good underpin digital responsibility in the form of information verification, privacy protection, respect for intellectual property, and consideration of the social impacts of AI use. Strengthening these two aspects requires educators to lead by example, clear institutional guidelines, family support, and reflective learning grounded in ethical dilemmas. This article concludes that the integration of character education and AI literacy should be directed toward developing students who are proficient in using technology while also being able to make decisions honestly and responsibly. The resulting conceptual framework still requires empirical testing according to educational levels and contexts.
Studies on human beings from the perspective of the Qur’an have extensively discussed the dimensions of servitude to God, human stewardship, and moral responsibility. However, the relationship among these three concepts as an integrated framework of the human role from the perspective of Tafsir Tarbawi has received limited integrative reconstruction. This study aims to analyze the relationship among the concepts of ibadah, khalifah, and amanah in the Qur’an and to reconstruct them as a conceptual framework of the human role and its implications for Islamic education. This study employs a qualitative approach using library research and the muqarran method of Qur’anic interpretation within the perspective of Tafsir Tarbawi. The primary sources include the Qur’an and the works of Tafsir Ath-Thabari, Ibn Kathir, al-Misbah, and al-Azhar. The main verses analyzed are QS. Adz-Dzariyat [51]:56 concerning ibadah, QS. Al-Baqarah [2]:30 concerning khalifah, and QS. Al-Ahzab [33]:72 concerning amanah. The analysis was conducted through the collection and categorization of relevant verses, examination of their contexts and meanings, comparative analysis of interpretations, and conceptual synthesis. The findings indicate that ibadah, khalifah, and amanah are integrally interconnected. Ibadah functions as a transcendental orientation, khalifah as the actualization of human roles, and amanah as the ethical principle and accountability underlying the fulfillment of those roles. This reconstruction results in a conceptual framework of orientation-actualization-accountability. From the perspective of Tafsir Tarbawi, this framework indicates that Islamic education should develop human beings holistically by strengthening their spiritual, intellectual, social, and moral dimensions, thereby cultivating individuals who possess faith and knowledge, demonstrate good character, are capable of actualizing their potential, and are responsible in fulfilling their roles as servants of Allah and stewards of the earth
ABSTRACT Short story writing instruction among eighth-grade students at SMP NW Aikmual faces several challenges, including generating ideas, developing thoughts, selecting appropriate words, accessing reading references, and maintaining concentration. This study aims to describe the teacher’s role in supporting the development of students’ short story writing skills and to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors in the learning process. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving seven informants selected through purposive sampling, comprising one Indonesian language teacher and six eighth-grade students directly involved in short story writing activities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation, then analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the teacher acts as a facilitator by providing learning materials and short story examples, a motivator through encouragement and appreciation, a mentor by guiding students in generating ideas and developing stories, and an evaluator by providing corrections and feedback. Supporting factors include teacher guidance, student motivation, and the availability of learning resources, while inhibiting factors include difficulties in developing ideas, limited vocabulary and reading references, and concentration problems. These findings indicate that targeted and continuous teacher support helps facilitate the short story writing process according to students’ needs. ABSTRAK Pembelajaran menulis cerpen pada siswa kelas VIII SMP NW Aikmual masih menghadapi kendala dalam menemukan ide, mengembangkan gagasan, merangkai kata, memperoleh referensi bacaan, dan mempertahankan konsentrasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan peran guru dalam mendukung proses pengembangan kemampuan menulis cerpen serta mengidentifikasi faktor pendukung dan penghambat pembelajaran. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif dengan tujuh informan yang dipilih secara purposive sampling, terdiri atas satu guru Bahasa Indonesia dan enam siswa kelas VIII yang terlibat langsung dalam pembelajaran menulis cerpen. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara semi-terstruktur, observasi, dan dokumentasi, kemudian dianalisis melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa guru berperan sebagai fasilitator melalui penyediaan materi dan contoh cerpen, motivator melalui dorongan dan apresiasi, pembimbing melalui pendampingan dalam menentukan ide dan mengembangkan cerita, serta evaluator melalui koreksi dan umpan balik. Faktor pendukung meliputi bimbingan guru, motivasi siswa, dan ketersediaan sumber belajar, sedangkan faktor penghambat mencakup kesulitan mengembangkan gagasan, keterbatasan kosakata dan referensi, serta masalah konsentrasi. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa dukungan guru yang terarah dan berkelanjutan berperan dalam memfasilitasi proses menulis sesuai kebutuhan siswa.
This mixed-methods study had two aims: to determine the purpose of school administrators’ use of social media and to develop and validate a scale measuring those purposes. In the qualitative phase, 15 school principals were interviewed individually, and the social media accounts of five principals were analyzed to identify purposes of use. In the second phase, an instrument was developed and validated across two independent samples of school administrators attending separate in-service training programs organized by the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MONE). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA; n = 156), using principal axis factoring with direct oblimin rotation, revealed a three-factor structure: stakeholder communication, personal use, and professional development, accounting for 65.52% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 148) supported the factor structure with satisfactory model fit (χ²/df = 1.60, CFI = .955, RMSEA = .064). Convergent and discriminant validity were established through average variance extracted, composite reliability, McDonald’s omega, and the Fornell–Larcker criterion.
This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the PJBL model with a scientific approach that influences student learning outcomes. The method used in this study is a literature study by collecting and analyzing various previous research sources related to the implementation of PjBL in elementary schools. This literature study focuses on how PjBL can develop students' cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and social-emotional skills. The results of the study show that PjBL through a scientific approach can increase students' interest, motivation, and learning outcomes. This model encourages students to collaborate, think critically, and actively engage in real projects that are relevant to everyday life. However, there are several challenges in its implementation. The success of this model requires support from good time management, teacher guidance, and adequate facilities.
Introduction Translating complex research into public and K-12 curricula comprises a significant component of science education and outreach. This paper examines the topics and experiences that are the focus of marine science education outreach. Methods Surveys were administered to marine science institutions (25 institutions responded) and undergraduate students (290 students responded). Results Institutional data from 25 organizations showed that 88% of respondents target 3rd–5th grade but only 68% reported serving PreK–2nd grade. Findings show 58% of STEM major respondents to the undergraduate survey identified elementary as their earliest exposure. For the STEM major respondents, 7% of respondents identify PreK, 18% identify middle school, 16% identify high school, and 2% as NA. Discussion Findings highlight the prevalence of early recalled science experiences among surveyed undergraduates and differences in the grade levels served by participating marine science outreach institutions. Expanding opportunities for PreK–2nd grade ocean education may help institutions engage younger audiences and support the development of ocean literacy. Further research using larger, more representative samples is needed to investigate relationships between early science education and later academic interests.
Teachers’ participation in professional development is often high, yet it does not always translate into classroom innovation, a persistent transfer-of-learning gap. This study explores how principals’ assertive communication was associated with teachers’ professional competence development in two junior high schools (one public, one private) in Brebes Regency, Indonesia. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used: baseline teacher competence was descriptively mapped from the Ruang GTK platform and the Education Report (Rapor Pendidikan), followed by a qualitative phase with 22 purposively selected informants (principals, vice-principals, teachers, students, and parents). Data were gathered through surveys, interviews, observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using Miles et al.’s interactive model with triangulation. Baseline data showed high training participation (score 4) but stagnant instructional innovation and classroom management (scores 2–3). Four interactional dimensions of assertive communication emerged: directive transparency, dialogic respect, non-blaming corrective feedback, and facilitative advocacy. These were associated with reduced teacher defensiveness and greater openness to interactive and digital teaching, and varied with institutional readiness. The study frames assertive leadership as a dynamic system of instructional communication rather than a fixed trait. Given its two-school, non-causal design, the findings are context-specific; they suggest that sustaining competence requires structured post-training clinical supervision and a constructive feedback culture.
This study examines the role of the Ittihadul Muballighin Institute (LIM) of Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School in designing ulama cadre education through the Ramadhan Safari program. LIM is an internal da’wah institution of the pesantren that prepares senior students (santri) to become preachers who master Islamic knowledge and are able to apply it contextually in society. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation involving LIM administrators, field coordinators, trainers, program participants, and community members, and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman with source and method triangulation. The findings show that LIM plays an active role through participant selection, intensive pre-departure training, field mentoring, and post-activity evaluation; that cadres participate in ritual, socio-religious, educational, and socio-cultural activities; and that LIM plays a passive role by providing facilities, institutional legitimacy, administrative support, and social networks. The program strengthens participants’ da’wah communication competence, resilience, and sincerity, and is consistent with the principles of experiential learning. The study concludes that the Ramadhan Safari is an integrative, contextual, and sustainable ulama cadre education design within the traditional pesantren framework.