Professional preparation for school leaders in developing context: The case of Solomon Islands

The aim of the present study was to explore the perceptions of the Solomon Island school leaders on the value of the leadership training and development programme which they completed. A qualitative research design was employed for the study. Interviews were conducted with the participants who attended the leadership training and development program to gather data needed for the study. Analysis of the data showed that prior to the leadership training and development program the school leaders faced a lot of challenges in leading their schools because they possessed limited knowledge and skills on leadership. On the other hand, the analysis of the data showed that the leadership training and development program has contributed positively in meeting the myriad demands of work expected of them. The findings of the study have implications to the performances, in turn, productivity of those school leaders who have not gone through the leadership training and development program. Added to that the findings have implications for the much needed support for school leaders especially the need to mount leadership training and development programs for them to improve their knowledge, skills, attitude, beliefs and values in order to enhance school’s overall performance