Improving School Leadership

School leaders in OECD countries are facing challenges with the rising expectations for schools and schooling in a century characterized by technological innovation, migration and globalization. As countries aim to transform their educational systems to prepare all young people with the knowledge and skills needed in this changing world, the roles and expectations for school leaders have changed radically. They are no longer expected to be merely good managers. Effective school leadership is increasingly viewed as key to large-scale education reform and to improved educational outcomes.

With 22 participating countries, this activity aims to support policy development by providing in-depth analyses of different approaches to school leadership. In broad terms, the following key questions are being explored:

• What are the roles and responsibilities of school leaders under different governance structures? What seem to be promising policies and conditions for making school leaders most effective in improving school outcomes?
• How can effective school leadership be best developed and supported? What policies and practices would be most conducive to these ends?

All participating countries are involved in the analytical strand, providing a country background report within a common framework. Additionally, a small number of case studies of innovative practices in school leadership as well as in the development of school leaders will complement the work by providing examples of good practice. A final comparative report in 2008 will provide policy recommendations.