CURRENT STATUS OF DEVELOPING THE STAFF’S MANAGEMENT CAPACITY OF PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

This study investigates the development of managerial staff (MS) capacity in primary schools across Vietnam's Southeast Region, a key economic hub, to meet the demands of educational innovation amid rapid socio-economic changes and the 2018 General Education Program.Employing a mixed-methods approach, including surveys of 262 MS and interviews with 20 stakeholders, the research evaluates five core competencies: cultural, administrative, pedagogical, social, and change management.Findings indicate that while MS exhibit strengths in cultural and administrative competencies, deficiencies in pedagogical and change management skills impede effective reform implementation.High migration rates, diverse school types, and resource constraints further complicate capacity development.Structural equation modeling confirms that these competencies significantly influence school management capacity and educational innovation, with social competency showing a complex effect.The study proposes targeted professional development and policy interventions to address these gaps, offering practical strategies for policymakers and school leaders.By providing theoretical insights and context-specific recommendations, this research supports the alignment of primary education with Vietnam's reform agenda, enhancing MS effectiveness in fostering quality education in the Southeast Region.