Publications

The expectation and the reality: Issues of sustainability and the challenges for primary principals in leading learning

Authors

Maggie Ogram and Howard Youngs
Osprey Consulting, New Zealand and Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

Published

Ogram, M., & Youngs, H. (2014). The expectation and the reality: Issues of sustainability and the challenges for primary principals in leading learning. Journal of Educational Leadership, Policy and Practice, 29 (1), 17-27.

Abstract

This article scrutinises what is expected of primary principals in New Zealand as leaders of learning, who sets these expectations and why principals are challenged with these expectations. We also consider what support principals may require to overcome the challenges that possibly inhibit their leading of learning. The findings of this small-scale qualitative study draw on two modes of data collection, document analysis and interviews with eight primary principals. For the document analysis, relevant national documents as well as principal job descriptions were studied. There was alignment between the documents, recent research literature and the interviews in relation to what is expected of principals. The findings suggest that due to principal workload and the dual school management and educational leadership aspect of their role primary principals believe that they do not devote as much time as they would wish to the specific facet of leading learning. There is also, some uncertainty and confusion related to the principals’ understanding of the term ‘leading learning’.

Keywords

Principals; educational leadership; leading learning; sustainability; workload

New Zealand Education Gazette Volume 93 Number 19

Article title: Looking back on a future-focused initiative

This article published in the Gazette Professional Development Supplement (October 2014) describes the establishing of the eLearning Network amongst East Auckland schools and its successes in providing ongoing professional development for teachers in relation to future-focused learning and teaching.

Keywords

Future-focused, eLearning, collaboration, teaching as inquiry, modern learning environments

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