Work

The Influence of Directors’ Transformational Leadership on the Inclusion of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Mainstream Classrooms of Riyadh: A Pilot Mixed-Method Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The key aim of this mixed-method study is to examine how director's transformational leadership impacts the inclusion of students with ASD in mainstream classrooms of Riyadh.Inclusion is extensively identified as a major component in education however, the role of school leadership, specifically transformational practices, is not thoroughly examined.The quantitative element involved 60 teachers across four educational institutes of Riyadh to evaluate teachers' inclusive practices and director's leadership behaviors.Regression analysis showed that inspirational motivation and individualized consideration were the key predictors of successful inclusion.Moreover, qualitative interviews with twelve teachers were thematically examined.The themes that emerged involved 'leadership as Sentimental Constituent', 'Impassioned Teachers, Inspired Classrooms', and 'Vision Beyond Obedience.'Teachers underscored director's individualized assistance, role-modeling, and inspired vision as fundamental to forming inclusive settings for ASD pupils.The blend of both the findings revealed that transformational leadership encourages teachers' motivation and inclusive practices.As a pilot, the study validates methodological viability and offers a basis for largescale, longitudinal study.

Source: International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

DOI: 10.6007/ijarbss/v15-i10/26719

Authors: Abdullah Mohammed Alotaibi, Lokman Bin Mohd Tahir

Institution: University of Technology Malaysia

Language: English

Topic: School Leadership and Teacher Performance

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4415031735