THE ROLE OF SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IN IMPROVING THE QUALITYOF 9-YEAR EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY AT BASICO 30 JOSE MARIA BEADILA, CAILACO

Abstract

Education serves as the primary medium for human development, encompassing both formal and nonformal pathways. Central to all forms of education is quality, which directly determines graduates' competitiveness in the labor market. This study investigates the role of the school principal in improving educational quality at Ensino Basico 3º Ciclo José Maria Beadila Cailaco. Using qualitative methods, data were collected through interviews with seven informants, supplemented by secondary institutional documents. Findings reveal seven principal roles: (1) controlling educator competence, (2) managerial decision-making, (3) performance supervision and auditing, (4) periodic monitoring and evaluation, (5) fostering community relations, (6) overseeing administrative systems, and (7) enforcing institutional discipline. These roles collectively ensure educational quality aligned with community expectations. The study concludes that the school principal is a decisive figure in deciding institutional progress and the overall quality of education delivered.