The head teacher as an effective primary school leader in the area of Paphos, Cyprus

Abstract

In this paper empirical results from a survey on effective school leadership are presented and analyzed. Opinion of teachers and head teachers from the area of Paphos, Cyprus is studied regarding five characteristics discussed in the literature as feathers of the effective school head teacher: vision, communication and shared goals, empowerment, leading and managing staff, parental involvement. Some recommendations for improvements, based on the empirical data are made regarding professional preparation, in-service training and continues development of the head teachers in Cyprus.

References:

Andrews, R. L. and Hallet, J. (1983) The Role of the Principal in Washington State, Final Report, Seattle: University of Washington.

Bennis, W. (1986) Leaders: The strategies for Taking charge by Warren.

Bossert, S. T, Dwyer, D. C., Rowan, B. and Less, G. V (1982) the instractional management role of principal. - Educational Administration Quarterly, 18 (3), pp. 34-64.

Delamont, S. (1993) Field Work in Educational Setting. London, The Falmer Press.

Edmonds, R. (1979) Effective Schools for the urban poor. - Educational Leadership, 37, pp. 15-24.

Fuller, B. & Clarke, P. (1994) Raising school effects while ignoring culture? Local conditions and the influence of classroom tools, rales and pedagogy. - Review of Educational Research, 64 (119-15).

Greenfield, D. W. (1995) Toward a Theory of School Administration. The Centrality of Leadership. - Educational Administration Quarterly, 31(1), pp. 61-85.

Ifanti, A. A. (1995) Policy Making, Politics and Administration in Education in Greece. - Educational Management and Administration, 23(4), pp. 271-277.

Lewis, C. A. (1995) Higher standards. - Education Digest, 61 (Oct), pp. 69-71.

Leithwood, K. and Montgomery, D. J. (1986) Improving principal effectiveness. The principal profile, Ontario, OISE Press.

Lockheed, M. E . (1996) Educational efficiency in developing countries. - In: Pennycuick, David (1998) Centre for international Education. University of Sussex, ONLINE: http://sleekfreak.atc.cx:81/3wder/HDLHTML/EDUCRES/DEPOl/BEGIN.HTM

Lucas, S., Brown, G. C., & Markus, F. W. (1991) Principal’s perceptions of site based management and teacher empowerment. NASSIP Bulletin, 75 (3570, 56-62).

Mortimore, P, Sammons, P, Stoll, L., Lewis, D. and Ecob R. (1988) School Matters: the junior years. Wells: Open Books.

ODA (1994) Japan's Annual Report (Summary).

Pennycuick, D. (1994) School effectiveness in Developing Countries: A summary of the Research Evidence. London: Overseas Development Agency.

Sallis, E. (1996) Total quality management in education. 2nd edition, London: Kogan Page. Somerset.

Wildy, H. and Dimmock, C. (1993) Instructional Leadership in Primary and Secondary Schools in Western. - Australia Journal of Educational Administration, 31(2), pp. 43-62.

Wing, D. J. (1987) The examination of staff Perceptions of the importance of characteristics Associated with strong Instructional Leadership at the Elementary, Middle and High School Levels. Doctoral dissertation, University of Washington.