Empowering principals to lead and manage public schools effectively in the 21st century

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Globally, education systems have been affected by radical social, political and economic changes. Although school principals play a pivotal role in improving student learning and attaining educational outcomes, they work under strenuous conditions to deal with multifaceted transformational issues. Principals experience great difficulty in coping with numerous changes, partly because they are inadequately prepared for their leadership position, or simply lack the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to lead and manage schools effectively and efficiently. Fundamentally, principals should be empowered to effectively deal with challenges facing them in the 21st century. Using qualitative research, this study explored the importance of promoting a culture of professional development that will prepare principals to confront education challenges and obstacles facing them. Fifteen principals were selected to determine their perceptions and experiences of how they were prepared and professionally developed to lead and manage schools. Findings revealed that in South Africa, there is no formal preparation for aspiring or practicing principals taking on leadership and management positions, and very few in-service professional development programmes are available. There is a dire need for education authorities to introduce compulsory training and development programmes for aspiring and practicing school leaders to lead and manage their schools successfully.

Original languageEnglish
Article number# 1334
JournalSouth African Journal of Education
Volume37
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Change management
  • Continuing professional development
  • Curriculum leadership
  • Instruction
  • Principalship
  • Professionalization
  • Qualifications
  • Training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Empowering principals to lead and manage public schools effectively in the 21st century'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this