School leardership development and professional learning communities : a case study of three primary schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2013
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Abstract
The purpose of the Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) (School Leadership) is to empower
school principals to develop the skills, knowledge and values needed to lead and manage
successful schools. The study sought to achieve three objectives. Firstly, to find out if the school
principals were able to use the learning from the ACE (School Leadership) programme in
establishing the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Secondly, to find out if the school
principals have succeeded in establishing and sustaining PLCs in their schools. Thirdly, to find
out the extent to which school principals are succeeding in transforming their schools through
PLCs. The theoretical framework used in the study were Leadership Development Theory
and PLCs drawing from the Community of Practice (CoP). The study was located in the
interpretive paradigm using the qualitative approach. A case study methodology was employed.
Semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews and document analysis were the data
production techniques. I sampled three primary schools led by school principals who
successfully completed the ACE (School Leadership) programme between 2007 and 2009 in the
Ilembe District of KwaZulu-Natal based on convenience. The school principals of each of the
three primary schools were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. In sampling teacher
participants, five teachers were sampled in each of the three schools. Two senior teachers from
the foundation phase, two senior teachers from the intermediate phase and one senior teacher
from the senior phase were selected. I also reviewed staff minutes for the period starting from
January 2012 to June 2013. The data generated was thematically analysed. The study found that
two school principals were able to establish PLCs in their schools and sustain them. The study
also found that PLCs had massive impact in transforming the school. I conclude that the
establishment of PLCs in schools promotes learning together and sharing of ideas and teaching
techniques, among the teachers supported by school principal.
Description
M. Ed. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.
Keywords
Educational leadership--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., School management and organization., Professional learning communities., Primary school teachers--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Education.