A closer look on Philippine professional standards for school heads (PPSSH): Career stages and leadership practices

This study investigated the career stages and leadership practices of secondary school heads in the Division of Negros Occidental aligned with the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH). A descriptive correlational method of research using the standardized questionnaire and unstructured interview was utilized to gather data on the level of career stages and extent of leadership practices on the domains of the PPSSH from 77 secondary school heads. This study found that school heads fell under career stage 3 and extensively practiced the domains in the PPSSH. In addition, there was no significant difference in the career stages of school heads when grouped according to age, years in service, and educational attainment. However, statistical significance was found between the level of career stages and the position of the school heads. Principal I tends to have a higher career stage than Teacher-in-Charge/Officer-in-Charge. There was no significant difference in the extent of leadership practices of school heads, and the school heads' performance was Outstanding. The result revealed no significant relationship between career stages, leadership practices, and school heads' performance; and school heads employ the competencies by anchoring on PPSSH standards and mirroring one's actions. The study emphasizes the need to review the performance indicators in the Office Performance Commitment and Review Form (OPCRF) of the school heads to ensure they are aligned with the PPSSH. Keywords: career stage, leadership practices, PPSSH, school heads, OPCRF