Preparing School Leaders to Lead Organizational Learning and Capacity Building

Abstract

This chapter examines the leadership development of principals /head teachers in England , Sweden and the United States with a particular focus on organizational learning and capacity building in leadership preparation programs. The authors note that leadership preparation varies across the three countries, with the longest history of formal training in the United States. At the same time, several similarities and trends in organizational learning preparation and professional development exist. Further, this chapter considers how these various elements of leadership preparation could be employed to better prepare aspiring and current principals to successfully lead organizational learning and capacity building in their schools. The chapter concludes with three recommendations regarding (1) candidate selection, (2) curricula design and (3) professional and social support that could enhance school leadership preparation and subsequent on-the-job performance.