School Leaders' Perceptions of Their Schools' Readiness for Data-Driven Leadership in Al Dhafra Region Cycle 2 and 3 Public Schools'

Abstract

There is a growing need for Data-Driven Leadership (DDL) in the UAE, and while the implementation frameworks serve as a grounding approach for implementing DDL, there has yet to be an application of this concept in the UAE school context. This research aims to assess the readiness of Al Dhafra cycle two and three public schools for DDL implementation. The study used the survey research quantitative method design based on the Active Implementation Framework (AIF) drivers. The researcher surveyed sixteen school principals from nineteen cycle two and three public schools in Al Dhafra region, using the School Principal questionnaire. The sampling method used was simple random sampling. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The research findings suggest that principals are more ready for DDL in terms of organisational drivers than competency drivers. However, their readiness for DDL at the leadership level is less clear, with items for that driver falling between the highest and middle-scoring groups. School principals identified competency, organizational, and technical leadership drivers as key implementation drivers for improving DDL in their schools. The research recommends further study to understand the role of adaptive leadership in successful DDL implementation. In conclusion, this research has provided valuable insights into the implementation of DDL in Al Dhafra cycle two and three public schools and highlighted the importance of various AIF drivers to the successful implementation of DDL.