The impact of positions of leadership in Catholic primary schools

Master of EducationThis research emanated from an interest that was developed in leadership roles and how these have impacted on Victorian Catholic Primary Schools, especially in the North Central Zone. Questions that were used as the main focus for this study were: How does the role of the Catholic Primary Principal impact on Positions of Leadership? And Does the existence of Positions of Leadership make Catholic Primary Schools more effective? In order to find the answers to these questions both quantitative and qualitative research was undertaken in the form of a Case Study. The study involved gathering data from Principals, teachers with Positions of Leadership and teachers without Positions of Leadership in the North Central Zone. The data for this research came from collated responses in the form of questionnaires from eighteen schools and transcripts of interviews from six people at two schools within the zone. Whilst writings from a variety of sources have been used to clarify and add meaning to this research, several writers were used as a basis for the study including; Bolman and Deal (1991), Fullan (1991), Fullan and Stiegelbauer (1991), Hargreaves (1994) and Little and McLaughlin (c1993). This research highlighted several areas that need to be addressed if Positions of Leadership are to have a positive impact on Victorian Catholic Primary Schools. 1) Schools need to incorporate ongoing review of all aspects of school operations through the School Development Plan. In particular, this could seek to ensure that the school is operating effectively both administratively and educationally. 2) The role of principals should not be underestimated as they have responsibility for all aspects of the running of the school. The leadership style used by the principal will directly impact on the effectiveness of Positions of Leadership operating within the school. It is only through the use of a collaborative style of leadership that POLs will be able to have maximum effect. 3) Personnel chosen for Positions of Leadership need to be carefully screened ensuring that they have not only an enthusiasm and understanding of the area for which they will have responsibility but that their disposition allows for open communication