The Implication of Diversity Leadership Skills of School Principals to Learning & Development (L&D)

Abstract

As the teaching force of the elementary and secondary schools become more diverse, there is a need for the administration and the school principals to acknowledge the changing demographics and take advantage of the benefits of embracing diversity to improve the quality of teaching and learning in Philippine schools. Being aware of the principals’ diversity leadership skills is the first step before any actions can be taken.  This study sought to find out the level of diversity leadership skills of school principals as perceived by their teachers and explored the possible implications of the findings to learning and development (L&D).  The results showed that the principals have high diversity leadership skills but noticeably low in items pertaining to initiating activities and programs that promote awareness of diversity, showing respect for teachers’ religion, using gender neutral language, conflict resolution, and giving appreciations, rewards and punishments that do not result to showing favoritism. It is recommended that the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) conduct a nationwide needs assessment on the diversity leadership skills of their principals, and develop and implement a training program to address the identified needs.  Further study is also encouraged to test the validity and reliability of the revised Diversity Leadership Scale (DLS) designed to measure the DLS of the Filipino principals.

Keywords: diversity, diversity leader skills, school principals

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-17-09

Publication date:June 30^th 2022