Getting Principalship Right? Piloting a Principal Professional Leadership Development Model

Abstract

Growing research in South Africa reflects the attention given to the professional development of school principals. The main objective of this study was also to explore models that can be adapted to inform principal practice in South African schools. The researchers initially used desk research before a qualitative study was conducted in eight underperforming schools in Gauteng Province. An intervention workshop was conducted and the eight principals interviewed. A number of models have been developed globally to address the principals' efficacy although some models are not suitable in other situations. After three months of this investigation, the participants developed a contextualised Professional Leadership Development Model. The model was informed by the needs of the participants taking into cognisance the nature of their schools. At the time of writing the article the Model was being piloted among the participants' schools and it reflected much potential for these underperforming schools.