Approaches to Developing Academic Leadership of Early Childhood Development Center Directors Under the Local Administrative Organization of Fang District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) study the level of academic leadership 2) identify key factors in the development of academic leadership 3) explore strategies for developing academic leadership of early childhood development center directors under the local administrative organization of Fang district, Chiang Mai province. The population in this study included a total of 68 individuals, consisting of directors of the Education Division or acting directors, education specialists, teachers, and child caregivers, selected through purposive sampling. The research employed a mixed-methods research design. The research instrument used was a questionnaire, interview a focus group discussion record. Data analysis was conducted using mean and standard deviation.

The results of this research found that:

1. The overall level of academic leadership is at a moderate level (μ = 3.50).
2. Key factors in the development of academic leadership include: having a clear vision, fostering a team-working culture, evaluating performance and gathering feedback from students and teachers, using effective evaluation tools, and appropriately allocating time and resources in the supervision and evaluation process. It also includes government education policies, education standards, new regulations, economic and social circumstances, technological changes, involvement of parents and communities, and support from external agencies.
3. The approaches to developing academic leadership include: setting a clear vision, goals, and mission with direction; evaluating and monitoring the implementation of the curriculum by using learning outcomes of children and curriculum performance as data to continuously improve and develop the curriculum; fostering an open environment to stimulate learning; and using an effective supervision process.