Spearheading education during the COVID-19 rife: Administrators level of digital competence and schools readiness on distance learning

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the course of delivering quality education to learners. This study analyzed the level of digital competence of school administrators, the readiness of schools, and perceived challenges on the delivery of distance learning. Using a descriptive research design, the researchers used an online survey to gather pertinent data for the study. Thirty-six (36) administrators took part in the online survey using universal sampling from a school division in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. The researchers created an online research instrument and subjected it to validation before the actual administration. After data gathering, the researchers encoded and tabulated the data. This study used the following statistical tools to analyze the data: frequency, percentage, and rank. The study found that the administrators have varied results on the aspect of digital competence based on the statistical analysis. In terms of school readiness on distance learning, the schools were not yet ready to implement a distance learning scheme. For the perceived challenges, internet connection/connectivity is the primary concern. Other challenges involve preparation, competencies, funding, and devices for distance learning. Based on the result of the study, the researchers provided some essential recommendations for the administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders.