Preparation for an effective leadership in Chile: An opinion study of a national leadership framework from principals´ perspectives

Abstract

International evidence has placed school leadership as the second most important factor for student learning. Educational national policies have given increasing attention to school principals, advancing in the creation of a Leadership Framework called Marco para la Buena Dirección (MDBLE). This frame traces the practices, knowledge and principles and skills that characterize an effective school leader. This article evaluates the degree of preparation to exercise an effective leadership derived from the MDBLE, based on a survey of 575 principals. Results conclude that the framework is well-known and defines clear and valid "standards" in relation of an effective school leadership definition. Nevertheless, the principals perceive moderate and highly heterogeneity in their preparation to exercise the framework, being highly prepared for some components and thematic dimensions, only 8% of principals perceived highly prepared for all components and dimensions of the framework. This evidence points out challenges for the improved school leadership through an improvement of principal competences and better articulation between educational policies and the framework.