Role Of School Leaders Research Articles

The role of school leaders in developing inclusive practices in Icelandic compulsory schools

ABSTRACT Icelandic education policy has a strong focus on inclusive education, but available Icelandic evidence indicates a lack of well-defined procedures in schools and municipalities aimed at inclusive education. Research literature has placed emphasis on the central role that school leaders play in developing inclusive schools. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to develop an understanding of school leaders’ role in developing inclusive practices in Icelandic compulsory schools. Inclusive practices refer to the strategies, approaches, and frameworks created to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, and learning needs, can participate fully in educational opportunities. Data collection took place between May 2022 and January 2023. Interviews were conducted in two compulsory schools and in this paper, we build on 8 interviews with 14 teachers and school directors. The interviews were recorded and then transcribed verbatim before the thematic analysis commenced. The findings are introduced according to three main themes: Inclusive school leaders’ role in setting direction, Inclusive school leaders’ role in organisational development and Inclusive school leaders’ role in human development.

Role of School Leadership in Context of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The study reveals concept of school leadership in context of major education policies of Indiaincluding NEP 2020. It explores brief introduction, achievements and failures of nationaleducation policies of India like National Policy on Education (1968), National EducationPolicy (1986) and NEP 2020. The study also reveals some basic tenets of NEP 2020 whichincludes an equitable and inclusive education, continuous professional development andcareer management and progression, efficient resourcing and effective governance, standardsetting and accreditation. The main part of study deals with role and performance of schoolleaders in context of, transparency, effectiveness and accountability type of indicators. It alsoassesses vision and mission of NEP 2020 in school leadership perspective.

Kepemimpinan Kepala Madrasah dalam Konteks Manajemen Berbasis Sekolah (MBS) pada MAN 13 Jakarta

This study aims to explore and analyze the role of school leadership in the implementation of School-Based Management (SBM) at MAN 13 Jakarta. In the era of educational decentralization, SBM is a model applied to improve educational quality through increased participation and accountability at the school level. The research method used is a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings reveal that leadership at MAN 13 Jakarta plays a crucial role in mobilizing the participation of all stakeholders, including teachers, students, and parents, as well as in creating a conducive learning environment. Effective leadership at MAN 13 Jakarta is characterized by open communication, transparency in decision-making, and staff empowerment. Challenges faced include resistance to change and resource limitations, but these can be overcome through adaptive and collaborative leadership strategies.

The phoenix is rising! How professional services leadership roles are evolving in academic units to shape the modern university

ABSTRACT This paper provides a small-scale exploration of the evolvement of leadership roles in higher education academic units (AUs), namely Departments, Schools & Faculties. A literature review provides theoretical examples of the evolution of professional services (PS) staff. Changes in PS leadership roles are also explored alongside the emergence of ‘Third Space’ professionals whereby staff from the perceived ‘binary’ construct of HE (academics and PS staff) work together on shared initiatives outside formal structures. Semi-structured interviews with PS leaders working in AUs across the sector highlight a number of key themes. Findings suggest that documented tensions between academics and PS staff have lessened with the focus shifting to ‘local’ vs ‘central’ challenges. With identity emerging as an important consideration for Higher Education Professionals (HEPs), the paper calls for a sector wide review of structures and resource allocation models, the development of a new HEP apprenticeship scheme and a rebuilding of the PS throughout HE.

Sociální klima učitelských sborů: Kvalitativní kvaziexperiment

The favourable social climate of the teaching staff is one of the key indicators of the quality of school functioning. The text presents five research phases of a qualitative longitudinal pre-post quasi-experiment implemented in the environment of school life. In 37 schools, the climate of the teaching staffs was repeatedly measured with the OCDQ-RS questionnaire in the pre- and post-intervention phase of the experiment. In six of these schools, qualitative research procedures were carried out in order to determine the causes and contexts of the state of the climate and intervention procedures aimed at supporting the development of a favourable teaching staff climate. In the post-intervention phase, focus groups were implemented in six intervened schools to supplement the context. The aim of the research was to find out what effects intervention procedures can have on the climate and under what conditions they can be successful. The results confirm repeated findings about the key role of school leadership in shaping and maintaining a favourable climate of the staff by increasing trust across the staff, promoting open communication and meaningful cooperation of all actors, and leading to shared meanings of events in the school and general acceptance of the school’s values and concept.

Tantangan Kepemimpinan Sekolah pada Peningkatan Profesionalisme Guru

In terms of creating an appropriate learning environment and increasing teacher professionalism, school leadership has an important role. However, on the way to this goal, school principals are often faced with a number of major challenges. From limited resources to conflict management, assuming a school leadership role is never easy. This research method uses a comprehensive literature review approach, this research seeks material from various sources, including research papers, textbooks, and scientific publications. Information was gathered from publications including principal development standards and books on leadership and education. Descriptive data analysis involves identifying major themes, condensing information, and analyzing the results to draw conclusions. The results of this research show that this research looked at a number of challenges that school principals usually face in achieving their goals and potential. Based on this study, several internal and external aspects were identified as the main obstacles in achieving these goals. Challenges in school leadership and increasing teacher professionalism are complex and multifaceted issues. The conclusion is that school leadership has an important role in increasing teacher professionalism, which in turn contributes to improving the quality of education.

Impact of the Elementary School Heads Leadership Behavior on the Teacher’s Morale in School Districts of Pilar

The study focused on elementary school heads' leadership behaviors and their impact on teacher morale in Pilar's school districts, aiming to provide valuable insights into educational leadership dynamics. It outlines the objectives of analyzing leadership behavior, assessing teacher morale, determining impacts, identifying challenges, describing measures, and proposing a leadership model to address these issues comprehensively. The mixed-methods study used surveys and document analysis to examine how leadership behavior influenced teacher morale. Quantitative methods measured the impact on commitment and assessed various attitudes and challenges. Qualitative methods analyzed leadership behaviors reflected in OPCRF and described measures to address challenges. Findings indicate proactive leadership practices, contributing to positive teacher morale, yet challenges such as workload and communication gaps persist, indicating areas for improvement. Measures to address these challenges include embracing technology, fostering collaboration, and enhancing communication channels to create a supportive and conducive work environment. The proposed Adaptive Transformational School Leadership Behavior and Change Model integrates adaptive and transformational leadership theories, offering a holistic framework to address challenges and drive positive change within educational contexts. In conclusion, the study underscores the crucial role of school leadership in shaping teacher morale and organizational dynamics, highlighting the importance of supportive environments, effective communication, and targeted interventions to enhance educational outcomes and foster a conducive learning environment within Pilar's elementary schools.

სკოლის მართვის პოლიტიკა: ლიდერის როლი სკოლის მართვაში

The article aims to establish the factors that have an influence on the transition of school management reform and to outline some of the common trends causing the policy change in this area. The analysis shows that there is a various set of studies covering different aspects of school management. Each of them responds to the issue of adopting school management reform from different angles. The policy perspective relates to school management reforms such as decentralization, autonomy, accountability or contextual changes. An increased focus (on learning outcomes and school improvement perspectives) recognizes the key role of leadership in education reform. The research among principals contributed the adoption of school management reforms. The school management policy perspective shows that countries have implemented reforms, with practices that vary across countries and contexts. Some reforms include a new public management agenda or the globalization of education policy. This review shows that there is a considerable amount of research on school leadership, but relatively less attention has been paid to policy research on effective school management. The paper first provides an overview of the role of school leaders and how has it evolved over the last decade, which serves to clarify the main reasons for the reforms. After the methodology are discussed the factors influencing the adoption of school leadership reforms. Specifically, how different fields of education research influence the development of the school leadership role. The article ends with a conclusion that discusses the factors that influence the implementation of school management reforms. It also provides important perspectives on the development of the role of principals: (1) school management reforms respond to the changing context of education and public school governance in terms of greater decentralization, accountability, and school outcomes; (2) School leadership has an indirect influence on education and schooling, which is considered for the implementation of various reforms and aimed at improving teaching, but does not seem to be itself considered a policy priority. In general, research of school management reforms was conducted in selected countries according to their educational opportunities.

Cultivating teacher innovativeness through transformational leadership and teacher agency in schools: the moderating role of teacher trust

PurposeThis paper explores the relationship between transformational principal leadership and individual teacher innovativeness, considering the mediating role of teacher agency (TA) and the moderating role of teacher trust (TT).Design/methodology/approachWe employed structural equation modeling (SEM) using survey data collected from 676 teachers at 25 schools in Turkey.FindingsThe results indicated no direct correlation between transformational leadership (TL) and teacher innovativeness but revealed a significant and positive association between TL and teachers' agency, as well as between teachers' agency and innovativeness, suggesting that TA fully mediates the association between TL and teacher innovativeness. Additionally, teachers' trust positively influenced the link between principal leadership and teachers' innovativeness, with the impact of TL on teachers' innovativeness being stronger when trust levels were higher.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature, providing an understanding of the mechanisms through which leadership can exert an influence on teacher innovativeness.Practical implicationsThis study also suggests that the strength of the influence is likely to vary under different circumstances. Trust among teachers appears to play a key role in the effect of school leadership on teachers, particularly when aiming to support and sustain innovativeness.Social implicationsTrust-based relationships within a school are essential for school principals to influence innovative practices. We conclude that, in the absence of trust as a key component of school climate, achieving a comprehensive understanding of the role of school leadership in fostering teacher innovativeness seems unattainable.Originality/valueThis paper expands existing knowledge regarding the effect of TL in leading teacher innovativeness by indicating the indispensable role of TA and trust.

A tale of two cities

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to examine the critical components to successfully serving on a school board or leadership roles, as a member of the Latino(a) community. According to a 2010 national school board survey, only 3% of the 900 board respondents identified as Latino(a) compared with almost 80% who identified as White. The first author employs her personal narrative as a method for describing the process of becoming an effective school board member in two different settings, while the second author discusses the contributions of relevant literature, drawing from her experience as a district leader and professor in higher education. Once selected as a board member and district leader, respectively, the authors share the challenges, achievements, and lessons learned from their experiences that can inform others. As demographics in the United States school districts shift, the call for district leaders and school board members to reflect the communities of which they serve, is vital.

The role of school leadership in relation to conflict management at school:

The role of the manager is decisive in terms of the effective or non-effective management of conflicts, as through the techniques he chooses to use and many times through the leadership style he chooses to apply, he will influence the attitudes and perceptions of teachers towards disagreements and consequent conflicts.

Examining the Role of School Leadership in the Digital Advancement of Educational Organizations

This study examines the viewpoints of primary education teachers in the Dodecanese Prefecture regarding the role of school leadership in the digital development of educational organizations during the 2022–2023 school year. More specifically, it examines the recent developments in schools in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on two major themes: (a) the utilization of novel technologies to enhance communication channels among school leadership, educational staff, and parents, and (b) the significance of digital leadership and investment in educational organizations. The study is founded on a quantitative survey of 117 teachers, with data collected through an online questionnaire. After presenting the respondents’ demographic profile, a descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted using the SPSS 29.0 statistical program. The article concludes by presenting the results of the research questions, conclusions, and recommendations for future research. The study found a positive correlation between teachers’ level of education and their level of digital literacy. Nevertheless, it appears that the gender of the principal did not noticeably affect the views of teachers regarding their role in promoting the integration of digital technologies in the school.

Pedagogical Implementation and Professional Competence of Teachers in Preparing Curriculum-Based Learning Tools 2013

This research aims to analyze the pedagogical competence and professional competence of teachers, inhibiting factors, and evaluation of the preparation of K–13 curriculum-based learning tools at Banyuasin 13 public elementary schools. This research was conducted at SDN 13 Banyuasin, South Sumatra using qualitative research methods. Data collection techniques include Participatory Observation, Interviews, and Documentation. The results of this research are that teachers at SD Negeri 13 Banyuasin I effectively teach students by responding to material, answering questions, and applying pedagogical competencies. They improve learning conditions, help students excel, and provide correction. The 2013 Reform Curriculum faces challenges in teaching materials, methods, and competencies. The curriculum aims to develop students’ character, skills, and national unity, with an emphasis on teacher creativity and the role of school leaders. Improvements can be made by involving teachers in activities and workshops. Evaluation of internal processes and K-13 learning tools is used for educational planning and tool preparation.

THE ROLE OF SCHOOL LEADERSHIP IN DEVELOPING CREATIVITY AMONG GOVERNMENTAL SCHOOL TEACHERS IN BETHLEHEM CITY IN PALESTINE FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW

The study aimed to know the role of school leadership in developing creativity among governmental school teachers in Bethlehem city in Palestine from their point of view, and to determine whether there are statistically significant differences between the respondents' attitudes that can be attributed to the variable of gender, academic degree, or years of experience. The analytical descriptive approach was followed, and the researcher prepared a questionnaire to collect data, and the validity and reliability of the tool were examined. A random sample of (50%) was chosen from the study population represented by all 164 teachers of governmental schools in the city of Bethlehem.The study showed that school leadership plays a major role in developing the creativity among governmental school teachers in Bethlehem city from the teachers' point of view, Where the sample responses came to a large degree, and it also showed that there were no statistically significant differences that could be attributed to the study variables, with the exception of the years of experience variable, where the differences were statistically significant in favor of the category of ten years or more compared to the category of five years or less. The study concluded with several recommendations, the most important of which are: the need to select aware school leaders who believe in the importance of creativity, and for this leadership to benefit from teachers with experience in developing their creativity

Inclusion of refugees in mainstream schools: Existing policies, the role of school leadership, student perspectives, and recommendations for enhancement

In recent years, there has been observed a significant influx of refugees, mainly from Eastern countries to European states, and especially to Greece, due to its geographical location. As a result, new needs and challenges have arisen in contemporary societies regarding the attitude towards refugees at multiple social levels. One of these levels, which this paper addresses, is the pedagogical treatment of students of different ethnic backgrounds.

Uncovering the role of principals in enhancing teacher professional learning in a centralized education system

PurposeCurrent school leadership research has primarily utilized quantitative methods to explore the relationship between leadership and teacher learning. However, there is a notable gap in understanding how principals facilitate professional learning, especially in centralized educational settings. This study aims to address this gap by examining the role of school leadership in enhancing teacher professional learning within a highly centralized education system.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative case study delves into the lived experiences of 15 teachers and eight school leaders in eight primary schools in Mashhad, Iran. Through semistructured interviews, researchers employed open and axial coding to systematically explore and categorize qualitative data. The study focuses on understanding the role of principal leadership in facilitating teacher professional learning by connecting themes and sub-themes across transcripts.FindingsEffective principals worked on the cultivation of a culture that champions perpetual personal growth and development, the nurturing of a collaborative learning community, and the provision of essential resources and support. Findings showed the pivotal role of principals in promoting teachers' self-development, facilitating idea exchange and acknowledging their efforts. Principals appeared as key to encouraging information sharing, fostering collective learning, promoting professional development, overseeing teaching practices and ensuring the availability of resources to cultivate a supportive climate in a centralized education context.Originality/valueWe concluded that in centralized education, leadership practices for promoting teacher learning share similarities and differences with decentralized settings. The findings offer guidance for principals in centralized systems, supporting them in facilitating teacher professional learning in their schools.

Leadership of Private School Head Teachers for 21st Century: A Narrative Inquiry

The twenty-first century has brought many challenges in the education sector along with entire other sectors. The issue of accelerating globalization and digitalization has influenced the educational sector a lot. The stakeholders have faced many challenges in implementing the issue in their organization. The particular study has focused on the perceptions and role of school leadership in 21st-century schools. The study has tried to explore school leaders’ views. The particular research is based on the narratives of the school leaders based on their experiences, feelings, and expectations. Three school principals from private schools in Kathmandu were purposively chosen based on their execution of new practices in the school. They were interviewed physically and virtually and a conclusion was drawn from the process of coding, categorizing, thematizing, and meaning-making process. The school leaders have focused on organizational leadership, teamwork, and increased use of ICT as the major concern of schools and their leaders and they are found ready for every unpredictable situation that the school will be facing very soon in the complex, globalized, and culturally blended world making the educational organization service oriented. Still, there is room for development despite the great effort of head teachers.

“This is Where the Care Can Step Up”: A Typology of Nurturing Pedagogies in Primary Schools Serving Low-Income Communities During COVID-19 Closures

AbstractAll schools possess a duty of care towards their students. However, this duty of care falls unevenly across schools, with those serving low-income communities often responding to the material and psychological effects of poverty as a priority. This duty of care for such schools was placed into stark relief during the period of COVID-19 school closures, when structural inequalities in society became particularly pronounced. Previous research has drawn distinctions between different forms of caring enacted in schools serving low-income communities. These range from practices centred on children’s academic learning to those more concerned with children’s welfare and well-being—which, for the purposes of this paper, we term as academic nurturing and affective nurturing respectively. Others recognise the need for schools in low-income communities to perform a dual role and engage in both forms of nurturing simultaneously—which we term as critical nurturing. This paper presents findings based on case studies from three designated disadvantaged primary schools in Ireland during pandemic-related closures. It draws on interviews from the Children’s School Lives longitudinal study with the teachers, principals, and families of four Junior Infant children (typically aged four to five years). Our findings suggest a typology of nurturing pedagogies, with academic and affective nurturing emphasised to varying degrees across our three schools during this period. Narratives from interviewees also demonstrate the central role of school culture and leadership in achieving critical nurturing, with significant social justice implications for the education of children in schools serving low-income communities.

The Role of School Leadership in Promoting Intellectual Security among Secondary School Students in Al-Medina Al-Munwara as Perceived by Teachers

The purpose of the study was to identify the role of school leadership in promoting intellectual security among secondary school students in Al-Medina Al-Manwara as perceived by teachers. The study adopted the descriptive survey methodology, by using a questionnaire to collect data containing five domains and (30) items, administrated on a sample of (313) teachers. The findings of the study showed that the role of school leadership in promoting the intellectual security of secondary school students came to a large degree in the teachers’ domain, and to medium degree in the rest of the domains, there were no significant statistical differences due to the educational qualification variable in the domains of (student counseling, teachers, and school activities), there were no significant statistical differences due to the educational qualification variable in the two domains (family and local community), there were significant statistical differences due to the variable number of years of service in all study domains, there were no significant statistical differences due to the variable of the type of school building.

Meeting the Needs and Potentials of High-Ability, High-Performing, and Gifted Students via Differentiation

This systematic scoping review reports findings from 38 studies (2000–2022) that explored the approaches to differentiation that have been effectively used with high-ability students and the school-level supports that enabled their application. The review advances our understanding of current approaches and highlights future considerations for school-based pedagogies that aim for an inclusive education for all, including shared understandings of what effectiveness means and looks like in practice and how it can be determined or measured. The review identified 15 effective teaching approaches used with high-ability learners, showing that teachers draw upon an array of approaches when differentiating for high-ability students in both primary and secondary settings and across disciplines. However, the limited number of studies and predominance of data from one country suggest the need for further research across a broader range of contexts, including the important role of school leadership in supporting differentiated teacher practice. This need is made more pressing in contexts where differentiation continues to be primarily focused upon students working below expected level rather than including the highly able, and where the practice of differentiation continues to be misunderstood.