Features of effective leadership development provision for experienced New Zealand principals

Abstract

This article reports knowledge gained from an evaluation of a nationwide leadership development initiative for experienced principals in New Zealand. The Experienced Principals Development Programme (EPDP) was piloted with 300 primary and secondary principals as part of the New Zealand government's strategy to refresh and retain experienced school leaders. In spite of a highly positive reception by participants, the initiative was discontinued.

However, the formal evaluation of the programme has contributed to the knowledge base on effective school leadership development. The article captures the perspectives of the providers of the programme, who pinpointed particular successful and challenging features. Overall, the findings point to the success of delivery modes with small cohorts that include clarity of expectations, timely initiation, the inclusion of internal and external coaching/mentoring partnerships, and context-related activity around school improvement. The learning from this study could inform the shape and delivery of similar programmes for experienced principals in other nations so that sufficient experience is maintained across the principalship.