Leadership Capacities of School Administrators to Implementing School-Based Management

Abstract

Leadership is a pivotal factor in ensuring school effectiveness, particularly under the School-Based Management (SBM) framework in the Philippines, which grants schools autonomy in governance, planning, budgeting, and resource mobilization. This study assessed the accountability and leadership capacities of school heads across the level of school heads’ accountability is examined through five interrelated leadership dimensions: Leading Strategically; Managing School Operations and Resources; Focusing on Teaching and Learning; Developing Self and Others; and Building Connections. Using a descriptive-survey design, data were collected from teaching personnel through a structured Likert-scale instrument comprising 25 indicators measuring school heads’ accountability. Results reveal that school heads demonstrate high accountability across all domains, with the strongest performance observed in fostering professional development and promoting stakeholder engagement. Strategic leadership and operational management also received consistently high ratings, reflecting effective oversight, transparency, and resource management, while instructional leadership highlighted the prioritization of student-centered approaches and 21st-century skills development. Analyses further indicate that perceptions of leadership capacities are significantly influenced by educational attainment, years of service, and plantilla position, whereas age and gender do not produce significant differences. These findings suggest that experience, professional expertise, and hierarchical roles enhance evaluative insight into school leadership practices. The study underscores the necessity of continuous capacity-building initiatives, targeted professional development, and stakeholder engagement strategies to strengthen accountability, support SBM implementation, and improve school performance, ultimately fostering a culture of shared responsibility and enhanced student learning outcomes.