scholarly journals Developing Effective School Leaders: Perceptions of Participants in a District-led Principal Training Program

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Hester
Author(s):  
Chuang Wang ◽  
Dawson R Hancock ◽  
Ulrich Müller

Effective school leadership is crucial to a school’s success. Yet throughout the world, attracting and retaining qualified school leaders is often a formidable challenge. To discern ways in which we may recruit and retain competent school leaders, this study compares the extent to which principals in three industrialized countries, China, Germany and the USA, value the characteristics of their positions as principals. Survey responses of principals in these three countries reveal many factors that gratify and some factors that disappoint principals about their work environments. Comparing the similarities and differences of the principals’ responses in these countries provides insights into ways in which we may learn from each other about the factors that influence the recruitment and retention of qualified principals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Allen Senguo ◽  
Onesto Ozias Ilomo

This study investigated the effect of school management on students’ perceived academic achievement among Seventh- day Adventist secondary schools in in North-East Tanzania. The study employed survey research design, whereby a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 311 randomly selected students and their responses were analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study established that school management was effective in planning, motivating and encouraging students to work hard toward maximized academic achievement. However, the school management was perceived ineffective in accepting ideas from students and involving parents in decision making. Students were satisfied with their academic achievement and believed that their academic competence keeps increasing from day to day but were undecided whether teachers and parents are satisfied with their academic achievement. Finally, students’ academic achievement is positively influenced by effective school management. Based on the conclusions, the researchers recommended that, while school management is effective in planning, motivating and encouraging students to work hard toward maximized achievement, the school leaders need to improve on acceptance of constructive ideas from students and involving parents in decision making processes. While students were satisfied with their academic achievement and they were undecided whether teachers and parents are satisfied with their academic achievements, there is a need to enhance the interaction between students and their parents and teachers for them to grasp how parents and teachers perceive their academic achievement. Finally, while students’ academic achievement is positively influenced be effective school management, there is need for school leaders to improve their managerial practices which will enhance the level of academic achievement by students in the respective schools.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-108
Author(s):  
Feyisa Demie

<p style="text-align: justify;">This research explores the impact of effective leadership and targeted interventions in closing the achievement gap of disadvantaged pupils in primary schools. Findings suggest that the case study schools use effective school leaders and a range of targeted interventions including early intervention, small group additional teaching, one-to-one tuition, peer tutoring, parental involvement, booster class, mastery learning, pastoral care, and enrichment programmes. Each of the above success factors and intervention strategies was explored in detail in the paper. The overall conclusions of this study are that the case study schools have closed the achievement gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers through providing effective school leaders and the use of a range of effective intervention strategies. We would suggest that the case study schools’ stories of how they have closed the achievement gap through providing strong school leaders and the use of targeted interventions are of local and national significance. Our research also suggests the possibilities for further research. The recommendations from the study are that there is a need to replicate and expand this research with a larger sample of the study, in order to explore in detail what works in schools.</p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 922-929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale Benoliel ◽  
Izhak Berkovich

Purpose The concept of teams tends to be marginalized in the scholarly discussion of school improvement. The purpose of this paper is to argue that teams play a crucial role in promoting an holistic integration of school operation necessary to support school change. Specifically, the paper outlines the dynamic of effective teams at times of school improvement. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents the concept of teams, elaborates on their central function as a “coupling mechanism,” and describes the reciprocal relations between teams and school change. Findings The paper emphasizes the reciprocal effects of teams and change, suggesting that teams can serve as key change agents in school restructuring processes, specifically when balancing between “coping” and “pushing” forces. Based on the model, effective team leadership and effective school leadership at times of school change are introduced. Practical implications are discussed for school leaders. Originality/value The integration of the concept of teams into the school improvement discourse might assist school leaders to develop processes and procedures that will enable both school teams and schools to react more effectively in times of change and restructuring.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koichi Shiwaku

Purpose – Teacher training is significant for effective school disaster management. The purposes of this paper are: first, to set items for analysis of teacher training program of Armenia through identification of teacher training program of Emergency And Rescue Team by school staff in Hyogo (EARTH) to understand the characteristics of teacher training program of Armenia; second, to identify common points and different points of school disaster management and teacher training between EARTH and Armenia to understand the characteristics of one of training program of Japan; and third, to propose improvement of teacher training of Armenia through identification of problems to give suggestions to improve teacher training program of Armenia. Design/methodology/approach – One of teacher training program for school disaster management in Japan can be considered as a good practice. The objectives are achieved through the comparison of teacher training program between Armenia and Japan. Findings – In Armenia, there are three training targets. Training contents should be developed after the clear concept development of training for each target. This paper proposed the concept based on EARTH training program. Normalization of school including psychological care is the main contents for school directors and deputy directors. Disaster management system and disaster management drill are the contents for military science teachers. Disaster education is the main contents for general teachers. Originality/value – This paper considered mainstreaming school disaster management from the aspect of teacher training and application of training program to other countries.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina Laura Gullo

Using data effectively is a critical skill for the modern school leaders. This case presents a school district where local interest groups are demanding changes regarding school safety and inclusion. Students have the opportunity to respond to a disciplinary equity audit and school climate survey. While interpreting and using data in a meaningful manner, students are challenged to evaluate the quality and efficacy of the presented data. The case also confronts students with race-related concerns that are often present in urban school districts. Students must exit their comfort zones in order to work as effective school leaders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen S Acton

In the current climate of accountability and calls for school improvement, principals are dealing with unceasing demands to implement new educational reforms. Yet do school leaders feel equipped to implement these mandates? This study investigated the perceptions of experienced elementary principals on whether they felt prepared to be effective change agents. Findings showed that principals felt they had received very little professional development on how to be a leader of change. Instead, their professional learning as change agents occurred through on the job experience and networking with trusted colleagues. This resulted in knowledge gaps in principals’ understanding of the change process. School leaders bear the responsibility of implementing change, yet principals suggest that reforms would see increased success if they were a shared responsibility with district leaders. Insights from experienced principals may help guide improved professional learning practices to provide educational leaders with the necessary skills to lead effective school improvement.


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