Educational Leadership Research

Abstract The evaluation of school principals’ performance plays a crucial role in improving educational quality and supporting effective school leadership. Considering rapid development of digital technologies and the increasing use of intelligent systems in educational management, we need smart approaches for performance evaluation. The present study aimed to identify and conceptualize the factors affecting the smart evaluation of school principals’ performance. As a qualitative research, we adopted the Sandelowski and Barroso’s (2006) seven‑step model of meta-synthesis. Relevant studies published between 2013 and 2024 were systematically retrieved from major scientific databases and screened through several stages of selection and quality assessment. The selected studies were analyzed using coding and thematic synthesis to identify key themes and patterns in the literature. The findings revealed several interrelated dimensions that shape smart performance evaluation systems in educational settings, including technological, ethical, operational, educational, and behavioral aspects. These dimensions collectively influence the design, implementation, and effectiveness of evaluation systems supported by intelligent technologies. The study concludes that adopting smart evaluation approaches can enhance transparency, accountability, and evidence‑based decision‑making in school management and provides a conceptual framework that may support policymakers and educational administrators in improving performance evaluation systems.