Developing School Leaders: An International Perspective

Never before has the topic of educational leadership been so much in the public eye. Many countries face a crisis in recruitment to the most senior positions in schools at a time when arguments rage about the best way to develop our school leaders so that our educational institutions will be in the hands of the very best people, committed to enhancing the outcomes for our children. Focusing on leadership development in ten diverse cultural contexts, this text brings together some of the most senior commentators in the field of educational leadership development to provide a global perspective on leadership development programmes and practices. Each writer examines the background history to leadership development in their nation and outlines the most recent developments. As is the case with any major initiative, the rise of leadership development programmes has presented opportunities for some and challenges for others. These challenges are both practical and conceptual and relate to a series of questions that are unpacked in the text including: What is the appropriate balance between the academic and the practical in leadership programmes? Should provision be located in higher education institutions, in other government sponsored organizations or commissioned from the private sector? Are models of leadership studies derived from the business and industry relevant to schools? How can research into impact inform leadership development policy and strategy? Should programmes be integrated into higher degree provision or should new and innovative forms of accreditation be developed? This book will be fascinating reading for all those engaged in educational research and teaching, and working, in educational leadership.Brundrett, Mark is the author of 'Developing School Leaders: An International Perspective', published 2008 under ISBN 9780415435727 and ISBN 0415435722.