The utilization of arts-based professional learning to enhance leadership behaviors has been investigated in such fields as business and healthcare, however, its impact on educational leadership is not well understood. This study investigated the nature of arts-based approaches to leadership development experienced by public school principals in a…

Recent migration patterns have had a profound impact on education systems becoming more diverse in their student body but also influencing school climate and resource provision. A multisite case study approach and semi-structured interviews with 13 principals and 17 teachers were used to identify the challenges and opportunities for culturally…

Teacher and headteacher assessments and professional development are deemed critical levers for improving quality education in an increasing number of countries and contexts. However, prioritising improvement is not always evident, given that sometimes those subjected to assessments are not effectively informed about their performance (e.g. from…

The purpose of this study was to understand how the SLI process is perceived by faculty, department chairpersons, and the building principals as an evaluation instrument to address professional needs and expectations, such as communication, relationship-building, and support for professional growth/development. The participants in the SLI process…

As the complex responsibilities of principals and teachers expand, the need for effective professional development (PD) is greater than ever. This quantitative study examines the PD needs of schools and the relationship between PK-12 and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), as perceived by principals, identifying areas for collaboration.…

Despite a sound policy framework, the right of learners with disabilities in South Africa to inclusive and equitable quality education is not being met. A key reason hindering the realisation of this right is that there are very few teacher education programs focused on supporting learners with disabilities. Acknowledging the urgency of teacher…

As schools become more racially, socioeconomically, and linguistically diverse, there are increasing calls for educational leaders to be more representative of student demographics and be explicitly prepared to advance equity through culturally responsive/relevant leadership practices. We discuss how applying an equity lens to three key content…

To create a coaching culture, school leaders have to make it a priority and support coaching at every level, and continuously. This article offers five "dos" and four "don'ts" for school leaders on how to support coaching at their schools, highlighting topics such as professional development for coaches, scheduling time for…

The purpose of this study is to determine the difficulties in professional development and professional needs of Turkish teachers at Temporary Education Centers (TECs), difficulties confronted by them during educational and instructional processes, their working conditions and difficulties confronted in the administration of Temporary Education…

This guide aims to present district instructional leaders and staff with a core set of criteria for what high-quality professional development entails. What makes this particular document different and useful is the focus on practical issues of district-level implementation in multiple teaching and learning environments. This is a guide designed…

As a form of teacher professional development, districts and schools are turning to an instructional coaching model for teacher learning, growth, and support. To date, however, few have sought to identify the specific characteristics and conditions that contribute to the success of the instructional coach, particularly in terms of the principal…

Principals play a vital role in determining school culture. This culture sets the context within which staff and students work; therefore, it is important that school leaders strive to create a positive culture. This paper examines collaboration, development of staff, provision of resources, transparency of vision, management of workplace stress,…

School leaders typically encounter district policies and procedures that make it difficult to facilitate school improvement efforts effectively (Bottoms & Fry, 2009; Bottoms & Schmidt-Davis, 2010). When the San Antonio Independent School District earned a state level distinction as a District of Innovation, the PDS principal and university…

This article focuses on the implementation of the "Professional Learning through Reflection promoted by Feedback and Coaching" (PROFLEC) project in Cyprus. The project aimed to provide valid and reliable feedback to school leaders and support them to interpret this into meaningful practice. A three-step-process, involving a…

Helping principals improve their leadership practices is a common use of federal funds and one way to improve instruction and student achievement. This study sought to better understand the effectiveness of an intensive principal professional development program focused primarily on helping principals conduct structured observations of teachers'…