Unveiling Excellence: An Appreciative Inquiry with Performing Secondary Schools in Region IV-A CALABARZON

The full implementation of the Results-based Performance Management System (RPMS) in the Philippines has significantly heightened the motivation among Department of Education (DepEd) employees to achieve high-quality school performance for 21st-century students. This study sought to uncover the most effective leadership styles and techniques contributing to high performance by examining the insights, experiences, and factors shared by successful secondary school administrators. Using a descriptive-qualitative methodology (DQM) based on the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 4-D cycle, the study evaluated five purposefully selected secondary schools in Region IV-A CALABARZON. Relevant data were acquired using structured interviews, focus group discussions, on-site observations, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used, which included data familiarization, coding, and theme development. The study found that high-performing schools excelled in financial stewardship, process efficiency, leadership, and learning and growth. Key contributing factors include assertive leadership styles, innovation, explicit direction, and humane approaches; high-point experiences such as shared responsibility, community responsiveness, passion for teaching, and specialized curricula; and alternative and innovative techniques. The schools’ best practices were determined to be important in promoting learners’ holistic development, with both mental and physical well-being.