GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS IN THE DIGITAL AGE EDUCATIONAL EXTENSION SCHOOL UNDER THE MAE HONG SON PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AREA OFFICE, AREA 2

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) Study the current state and issues regarding the characteristics of professional school administrators in the digital age; 2) Find development strategies for these characteristics; and 3) Evaluate the development strategies for professional school administrators in the digital age at expanded educational opportunity schools under the Mae Hong Son Primary Educational Service Area Office 2. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, with a sample of 264 school administrators and teachers. Research tools included questionnaires, interviews, and evaluation forms. Data analysis involved calculating percentages, frequencies, means, standard deviations, and content analysis. The findings revealed that: 1) The overall current characteristics of professional school administrators in the digital age are at a high level, with the most common issue being the lack of ethical decision-making; 2) Important development strategies encompass various aspects, emphasizing the importance of being a good role model according to professional ethics, involving all stakeholders in defining the vision and development directions of the school, and self-improvement for administrators; 3) The evaluation results indicate that these development strategies are both feasible and beneficial at a high level. This reflects the necessity and practicality of developing school administrators to possess characteristics suitable for the digital age, focusing on enhancing technological leadership, developing management skills in the digital era, and promoting technology use. Additionally, it is important to emphasize the creation of networks both within and outside the school to exchange knowledge and experiences in managing education in the digital age. Implementing these strategies will lead to sustainable improvements in the quality of education at expanded educational opportunity schools.