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Readers may notice that the word school leaders is used throughout this book. There
are two reasons for doing so: firstly, whilst acknowledging the important distinctions
between leading and managing, the term leader/s is used in its broadest sense – to
include both aspects of leadership and management in schools. The current contexts
of schooling require not only good managers to ensure that efficient systems are
in place for school functionality, but also leaders who are visionary, inspirational,
influential, and who can lead others to address some of the challenges they face in
order to improve teaching and learning in our schools. The second reason the term
leaders is used, is in reference to a wide range of people who can, at certain times and for
certain situations, take leadership in a school.

This book:

— —draws on research about school leadership, experiences and insights that spans
over a number of years of working in schools in communities located in provinces
across South Africa;

— —draws on the work of current school improvement iniatives in the country,
especially that of the Programme to Improve Learning Outcome (PILO)
currently being implemented in two districts in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

— —draws on research conducted internationally; and
— —contains a number of exercises that will assist school leaders in taking practical
steps to improve school functionality and effectiveness.

Brain @ work

As you read through this chapter, what stands out for you? Do you
understand the difference between leading and managing in your
school?

8

Shifting Paradigms – Changing Practice