PUB TYPE Speeches/Conference Papers (150) Reports Research/Technical (143)

Headteachers in England, Scotland, and Denmark must respond to wide-ranging and often conflicting external demands. Simultaneously, they must develop strategies to enhance their staffs' skills and improve pupil performance. This paper examines the background of a collaborative research project on school leadership in the three countries; elaborates on the nature of the research design and methodology; and explores some emerging issues. Data were gathered through interviews with 45 headteachers/principals in 31 schools in the 3 countries. Phase two of the research will explore other school community members ' expectations of headteachers. The headteachers identified the following leadership challengesmaintaining visibility, exerting curriculum leadership, demonstrating expertise in a climate of increased accountability, managing time, and managing conflict. In dealing with conflict