School Leaders’ Strategic Leadership Behaviors and Learners’ Achievement in MATATAG Priority Areas in Public Elementary Schools
Lovely T. Aportadera | Fernando Jr. Lagrimas | Iric F. Casa | Lerma Gacuscus
Discipline: Teacher Training
Abstract:
This study investigated the correlation between school leaders’
strategic leadership behaviors and learners’ achievement in MATATAG
priority areas in public elementary schools within the Municipality of
Esperanza, Division of Sultan Kudarat, during the School Year 2025–2026.
The research aimed to assess the extent of strategic leadership behaviors
across four domains, the level of learner achievement in foundational
literacy, numeracy, and values formation, and the significant relationship
between these variables. Employing a descriptive correlational survey
design, data were collected from 120 purposively selected teachers across 15
elementary schools in Districts I, II, and III using a highly reliable researchermade questionnaire. Results revealed that the strategic leadership behaviors
of school heads were consistently evident, with strong practices noted in
strategic direction and visioning (4.20), instructional management (4.17),
resource management (4.17), and stakeholder engagement (4.15). Similarly,
learner achievement was evident, reflecting strong performance in values
formation (4.23), foundational literacy (4.12), and foundational numeracy
(4.11). Correlation analysis demonstrated a highly significant positive
relationship between overall strategic leadership behaviors and learner
achievement (r = 0.617, p < 0.01). The findings conclude that effective school
leadership, particularly in providing instructional support and managing
resources, plays a critical role in enhancing academic performance and
holistic development within the MATATAG curriculum framework.
Recommendations include regular leadership training on instructional
supervision, the targeted allocation of learning resources, the development
of stronger school-wide support systems, and the establishment of regular
monitoring to sustain and elevate learner outcomes.
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