Opinions of School Directors on Practices in School Develepmont Areas

Abstract

Effective schools are educational organizations that prepare students for their future roles by developing them physically, mentally and emotionally. This study aims to analyze the sample schools that are determined to stand out in at least one of the school development areas specified in the 2023 Vision (academic, social-sports, and cultural, project and institutional capacity) and their applications. The sample schools are located in the Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir. The participants are four school directors from different schools. This study aims to analyze the practices of sample schools in terms of school administrators, teachers, students, family, environment, and school climate. This research is based on qualitative research methodology and phenomenology. The data obtained were analyzed in four stages: coding, finding themes, editing codes and themes, defining and interpreting the findings. School principals stated that they were primarily based on student and teacher happiness and satisfaction in their schools. It was observed that the codes of exams, competitions, teaching activities, social, sporting and cultural activities were repeated frequently under the theme of student development. Under the theme of expectations from students, codes for adopting national and spiritual values, using Turkish effectively, showing quality student behaviors were used frequently. Under the theme of school climate practices, reliable environment, open and transparent management, fair management codes were prominent. In the decision-making process, the school principals stated that they included all stakeholders, adopted the participative management approach in the meetings, and provided the stakeholders with the opportunity to explain all kinds of opinions. The physical conditions and equipment of schools can be designed according to student needs and expectations.