Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology 2645-3460 In Press 2026 03 01 From Research Leadership to the Re-Creation of the Research-Oriented School From Research Leadership to the Re-Creation of the Research-Oriented School 1 18 10.61838/0t61km42 EN Journal Article 2025 08 25 <p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to develop and empirically validate a structural model explaining the linkage between research leadership and the development of research-oriented schools at the primary education level in Diyala Province, Iraq.</p> <p><strong>Methods and Materials: </strong>The study employed a mixed-method exploratory–sequential design. In the qualitative phase, a systematic literature review and thematic narrative synthesis were conducted, followed by a qualitative Delphi process with 20 educational experts, including principals, teachers, curriculum specialists, and university faculty, to identify and refine key components of research leadership. The quantitative phase used data from 258 primary school teachers and principals selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. A researcher-designed questionnaire based on qualitative findings was administered using a five-point Likert scale. Construct validity was tested via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the overall structural model was evaluated using variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM). Reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability indices.</p> <p><strong>Findings: </strong>Results of CFA and SEM confirmed that all factor loadings exceeded the minimum threshold of 0.30 and that all paths were statistically significant (t-values &gt; 1.96). Fit indices indicated strong model adequacy (RMSEA = 0.042, GFI = 0.96, NFI = 0.97). The constructs of research vision, distributed leadership, structural support, data-informed decision-making, and evidence-based accountability emerged as the strongest predictors of research-oriented schooling. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeded 0.70 for all variables, confirming internal consistency and reliability.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The validated model demonstrated that research leadership—characterized by shared vision, distributed authority, and evidence-driven decision-making—serves as the structural and cultural foundation for creating and sustaining research-oriented schools.</p> https://qijes.com/index.php/ijes/article/download/1410/1492