Module 8 The Leadership of Schools

Introduction
We need to develop a working consensus about the purpose education should serve in Guyana. What is it that schools in Guyana ought to be doing in the context of nation-building, the challenges of globalisation and the demands of the twenty-first century? Whatever is our vision for education in Guyana most people will agree that we can only accomplish our goals if we have effective and committed leaders who respond well to change. To achieve success from challenging opportunities requires leaders who are skilled, confident, inspiring and prepared to learn, reflect, grow, develop and improve.

In the Guyanese context, therefore, outstanding leaders will be people who are committed to the new responsibilities demanded by the nation and who strive to improve the tone, culture and the outcomes of the learning and working environments in which Guyanese operate, not only in what they say but also through what they do and how they do it. Leaders in education must understand how wise decisions and sound plans are made. They must know how clear objectives are established and specific directions are issued. They must understand that change involves everyone and they must respond to the need for collaboration and teamwork. Whenever they work, they must be guided by the overall determination to optimise education success for all – students, teachers, community and country.

Developing accomplished leaders is a responsibility that has to be shared between the system and the individual. Therefore, the Ministry of Education through the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) is committed to creating a comprehensive framework – the Education Management Certificate Programme – for leadership development that will enhance the skills of current and aspiring headteachers. This module – Leadership in Schools, is a key element of that programme.

This framework will assist you in understanding the expectations that the Ministry has of all its leaders. As a trainee on this Programme, you will already hold a position of responsibility. Take time to read and reflect on the contents of the module and apply it to your own situation. Investment in your own personal growth and development will not only enhance your professional career but also optimise the professional development of your staff and the intellectual development of students.

Individual study time: 27 hours

Objectives
After working through this module, you should be able to:

§ understand the principles behind effective leadership, management and administration in schools
§ appreciate the main skills required of a leader
§ evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different leadership styles
§ articulate the need for leaders in Guyanese schools
§ understand the role of existing leaders in the development of future leaders
§ be aware of the required characteristics of leaders in schools in Guyana
§ be able to plan to become the head of a school
§ put into practice all you have learnt on this programme in leading a school
§ use your leadership skills in different areas of school life from middle to senior management
§ develop strategies for widening the leadership experience of your staff
§ identify the main characteristics of school leaders in general
§ create a strategy for identifying your own development needs and meeting them
§ demonstrate confidence to take up a leadership role

Units
The module is divided into eight units.

Unit 1: Understanding leadership in schools 4 hours
In this unit, you will reflect on the core purpose of the school and differentiate between administration, management and leadership as applied to the school context. You will examine why leadership is particularly important for the development of schools and relate it to the different aspects of the headteacher role as studied in Modules 1 – 7.

Unit 2: The principles of educational leadership 3 hours
Here we will look at some of the skills required of a leader and review the advantages and disadvantages of some of the educational leadership styles already encountered, whilst giving you the opportunity to analyse your own leadership style and its effectiveness in your current post.

Unit 3: Leadership in Guyana’s schools 4 hours
We deal in this unit with the practical issues of leadership in Guyanese schools in particular, and what is required of the head, the senior leadership team and middle managers to enable them to create an effective and successful school.

Unit 4: Leading in your new school 3 hours
This unit analyses ways in which you might approach the often daunting task of taking over the leadership of a department or a school for the first time. It guides you through the development of strategies to be confident, effective and make a difference.

Unit 5: Developing leadership in others 3 hours
A significant role of a leader is to prepare others for the responsibilities of leadership and particularly for a time when we will no longer be around. This unit assists you in this task and outlines possible courses of action to ensure good succession for the next generation.

Unit 6: Identifying leadership characteristics 6 hours
There are certain characteristics of good leaders. In this unit we will help you to identify them, understand them and assist you in evaluating your own performance against these characteristics in relation to your current leadership role.

Unit 7: Your own leadership growth plan 3 hours
Having identified strengths and weaknesses in terms of your qualities, skills and aptitude for leadership, you will spend time creating an action plan to develop those areas that you feel you need to work on to become a successful leader.

Unit 8: Go forward and lead 1 hour
Having reached the end of the main modules of the Education Management Programme, this module will pull together all you have learnt to allow you to apply this knowledge and skills in a real life situation.

Modules 1 – 8: Education Management Programme SummaryThis last section will serve as an aide-memoire for all that you have learnt in following the 18 month programme to achieve the Education Management Certificate.