The Professional Development of School Administrators: A New Zealand Initiative

A pilot project which aimed to develop the management and leadership abilities of 51 senior staff members from 17 secondary schools in the Aoraki region of New Zealand is described. The action research approach was used to identify local hopes and needs and as a basis for developing and testing a programme model for staff development based on a set of relevant elements such as regular sessions, interschool interaction, freedom from responsibilities, enjoyment of learning and exploration of the central concept of school culture. The project was led by a consultant-co-ordinator team. Participants examined issues related to management, leadership and change and they developed strategies for increasing the management effectiveness of their schools. The aim shared by all participants was to develop management and leadership skills in order better to support teachers and learners. The background to the project and its underpinning professional development model are described.