From dialogue to a training field. The next challenge of professional learning of novice school principals in Israel

Abstract

Summary Year 2008 was a dramatic turning point in Israel concerning the professional development of school principals. This shift is reflected in the conception of the principal as an „instructional leader”22, thus Israel has formally adopted the integrative approach to principal development that emphasizes principal’s work in the post-modern era alongside the development of individual „managerial identity”; and the reflective abilities to strengthen implicit knowledge23. The professional development of novice principals provides a significant touchstone in the examination of the new training program that has been underway for the tenth year. This program assisting novice principal through two central mechanisms: peer support and personal guidance provided by veteran and retired principals. Key data from the evaluation of the training program for the novice principals in the Northern District will be presented. The main challenges of the current training program will be discussed, with questions to consider changes to increase the impact of personal guidance on the managerial capabilities of novice school principals24.