Socio-Demographic Predictors of Success in Passing the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

There is a current increase in the number of public elementary schools and high schools due to the increasing number of students. The demand for more school heads opens the opportunity for aspiring teachers to be principals within the division. Passing the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH) is one of the requirements to qualify for a school head position. It is also observable that many teachers from the division are taking the examination but only few were able to pass. Thus, the researchers were motivated to conduct the study to determine the predictors of success in passing the examination.

METHODS

Descriptive research method was used to determine the profile of the respondents. Inferential research method was also employed to determine the significant predictors of success. There were 32 NQESH passers and 36 non-passers who answered a questionnaire where some indicators were constructed by the researchers and some indicators were adopted from the study of Corpuz (2017).

RESULTS

It was found out that majority of the passers were male, with ages from 31-40 years old, married with one child, graduate of education-related courses in private colleges/universities, head teachers with a salary grade of 16, and had been in the service for 11-20 years. The main reasons why they take the NQESH were the following: for professional growth and development, to gain financial increase/ advancement, and they were motivated by colleagues, friends, and families. The significant predictors of success in passing the NQESH were number of children, years in service before taking the NQESH, position before taking the NQESH, salarybefore taking the NQESH, and number of times taking the NQESH.

DISCUSSIONS

NQESH takers need to gain more experience in the service before taking the examination. Head teachers have a higher chance of passing the examination. Spending time everyday reading management books and possible topics to be given in the examination, enrolling in graduate studies, and attending seminars and trainings related to management/ leadership increases the chance of success. They should also help/assist their principal in doing their works. Lastly, School heads and teachers should encourage and give moral support to their colleagues who will take the examination.