HOW WELL SCHOOLS OF EDUCATION IN SAUDI ARABIA PREPARE SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT STRATEGIC PLANS FOR THEIR SCHOOLS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

Abstract

This study used a concurrent mixed methods design to examine the extent to which graduate schools of education in Saudi Arabia prepared secondary school principals to develop and implement strategic plans. A random sample of 38 principals was used for the survey, while the qualitative component of the study included semi structured interviews with four randomly selected principals.

The findings revealed that the majority of principals have never received formal training in strategic planning during graduate school, and that a significant number have never received this type of training at all. This highlights the need for additional training and professional development opportunities in this area for principals. However, despite the lack of formal training, the majority of principals reported successful strategic plan implementation and believed they were well prepared for both the development and implementation of the strategic plan. Yet, a majority of executives felt inadequately prepared for engaging stakeholders during the development phase of the strategic plan. Lack of external stakeholder engagement, time constraints, and resource limitations were found to be the most important challenges that principals encountered when developing and implementing their plans. The findings highlight the need for additional investment in professional development and training programs to equip principals with the skills and knowledge necessary for the successful implementation of strategic plans.