Abstract. This study assessed the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH) and their impact on the performance of public elementary schools. It aimed to determine the degree of PPSSH manifestation among school heads and its relationship with school performance. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving five school heads and 109 teachers. A modified questionnaire based on DepEd Order No. 24, series of 2023. 2020 was used to assess the level of PPSSH manifestation, while school performance was measured using Quarterly Assessment Results and School-Based Management (SBM) Level of Practice. Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s r, weighted mean, percentage, and t-test, were conducted. The findings revealed that school heads demonstrated a high level of PPSSH manifestation. Three schools were classified as "Maturing" and two as "Advanced" in the SBM level, with an overall composite mean of 66.89 for school performance. A significant difference was found between teachers’ and school administrators’ assessments of PPSSH manifestation. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between school performance and the school heads' adherence to PPSSH. Based on these findings, the study recommends further enhancing school leadership through professional development initiatives.

Keywords: School leadership; School performance; Professional development initiatives.