Abstract
This is a qualitative research study that focused on to top performing schools on reading programs at Guimba East District. Ten schools that performed exemplary in reading evaluation from school year 2022-2025 were studied based on their reading program implementation, practices, and assessment.
The study examined the schools’ profile such as classification, school-based management level, school size, and number of teachers and students. Program implementation and best practices of each program were described as well. Integration of the reading program to the curriculum was studied along with the challenges encountered during the implementation. Proposing reading program to enhance the school’s reading performance was one of the objectives of the study. Implications to educational management and leadership were also presented. A case study was used to explain and investigate each objective.
The findings revealed that majority of the schools were elementary. Most of these schools obtained level III- advanced in the school-based management. Learners’ participation, time, insufficiency in funds and teachers’ motivation and expertise were the challenges encountered during implementation.
In conclusion, schools performed exemplary due to the effective management, design, and consistent administration of the program. Learners’ participation highly influenced the course of implementation. However, managing funds, time, and learners’ participation remained the core challenges in implementing reading program. Devising contextualized learning resources tailored to learners’ needs can determine both their performance and motivation.
Keywords: Top performing schools, reading programs, leadership and management
DOI https://zenodo.org/records/22044014