Identifying and presenting the model of professional competencies of educational and educational leaders of schools

The current research was aimed at identifying and validating the model of professional competencies of educational leaders, in terms of practical purpose and from the perspective of gathering mixed-exploratory information.

In the qualitative section, using a targeted non-probability sampling method, 20 experts in the field of primary education, including assistants and experts in primary education, educational leaders, teachers and managers of multi-level rural schools, and faculty members of Farhangian University, were selected as participants. Quantitative part using cluster sampling method, 242 people were selected from the statistical population of teachers, principals and educational leaders of primary schools in Zanjan province. The tool for collecting information in the qualitative part was a semi-structured interview, and in the quantitative part, a researcher-made questionnaire. Content analysis and coding methods were used to analyze the qualitative findings. In the quantitative part, a researcher-made questionnaire and confirmatory factor analysis method were used to measure the validity of the competency model. In order to check the validity of the questionnaire, its face and construct validity and reliability were investigated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

The analysis of research findings led to the identification of 40 components and 5 dimensions of competence for educational leaders including; Knowledge, skill, ability, individual and attitudinal-motivational competencies.

The findings of this research open new windows for making desirable changes in the review of the selection and appointment of educational leaders in schools.