Administrator’s Competencies in the New Normal Affecting Effectiveness of the Schools under the Office of Mukdahan Primary Education Service Area

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) study the level of administrator’s competencies in the new normal and the level of school effectiveness, 2) study the administrator’s competencies in the new normal affecting school effectiveness, 3) study guidelines for development of administrator’s competencies in the new normal affecting effectiveness of the schools under the Office of Mukdahan Primary Education Service Area. The research design was the mixed methods research: explanatory design. The first phase used a quantitative method. The sample comprised administrators and teachers, totaling 368. The research instrument was a 5-point rating scale questionnaire. Data analysis employed multiple regression analysis. The second phase used a qualitative method. The research instrument was a structured interview. The target group was purposively sampled. Data analysis employed content analysis. The research results were summarized as follows:
1. The administrator’s competencies in the new normal, as a whole, was in the high level. The aspect with the highest mean score was the flexibility and adaptation to the situation Regarding the school effectiveness, it was found that, as a whole, the school effectiveness was in the high level. The aspect with the highest mean score was the school's adaptability.
2. The 2 aspects of administrator’s competencies in the new normal affecting school effectiveness under the Office of Mukdahan Primary Education Service Area were change agent and management, with the multiple correlation coefficient of 0.741 and the regression coefficient or predictive power of 54.90 percent, with statistical significance at the .01 level.
3. The guidelines for development of administrator’s competencies in the new normal affecting school effectiveness under the Office of Mukdahan Primary Education Service Area consisted of 5 aspects: 1) Regarding change agent, the administrator should inspire the colleagues, develop the abilities of the colleagues to a higher level and have greater potential to lead the organization to change; 2) Regarding management, there should be planning for problem-solving. Tasks should be assigned to relevant persons appropriately; 3) Regarding working together with others, good relationships with colleagues should be built and maintained. The administrator should adapt himself to the situation; 4) Regarding flexibility and adaptability to situations, the administrator should be flexible in working and adaptive for the roles and duties; 5) Regarding self-development, the administrator should develop his own knowledge and abilities, open his mind to learning new things and new technologies and keep up with the changing situation.