Towards a mixed economy of Head Teacher development: Evaluation Report to the Scottish Government on the Flexible Routes to Headship Pilot

Davidson, J., Forde, C. , Gronn, P., MacBeath, J., McMahon, M. and Martin, M. (2008) Towards a mixed economy of Head Teacher development: Evaluation Report to the Scottish Government on the Flexible Routes to Headship Pilot. Project Report. Scottish Government, Edinburgh, UK.

Abstract

<p>This report provides an evaluation of the Flexible Route to Headship (FRH) pilot project. The evaluation was undertaken by a research team was from the universities of Glasgow and Cambridge during 2007-8 and was funded by the Scottish Government. This report documents the perspectives of a range of participants in the pilot, particularly in respect of the development of candidates in satisfying the Standard for Headship, the development of coaches, the nature and sustainability of assessment and the capacity implications associated with a potential “roll out” of the FRH across Scotland by Local Authorities. The evaluation occurred at about the mid-point of the pilot’s duration. A series of qualitative procedures were used to obtain data (e.g., documents, interviews, focus groups and observations). Using each of these sources, the evaluation team was able to research all aspects of the operation of the pilot.</p> <p>The team sees the FRH playing an important role in the future development of Scottish head teachers. On the basis of the evidence it acquired, the evaluation team has made 21 recommendations. These recommendations are intended to strengthen that development role. In the framing of the recommendations, the team drew liberally on the reflections of a number of informants and, where appropriate, elaborated and aligned its arguments with existing bodies of research literature. Throughout the pilot, the centrepiece and unique feature of the FRH was the coaching provided to aspiring (and some practising) head teachers by a dedicated group of coaches. The coaching experiences documented in this report, the team believes, together comprise an important case study in coaching and provide significant lessons and insights for this globally emerging approach to school leader development. The report included 21 recommendations for the further development and management of the FRH.</p>

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
• Keywords: leadership development, headship preparation, coaching, professional learning
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Forde, Prof Christine and Gronn, Prof Peter and McMahon, Professor Margery and Davidson, Dr Julia and Martin, Ms Margaret
• Authors: Davidson, J., Forde, C., Gronn, P., MacBeath, J., McMahon, M., and Martin, M.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Professional Learning and Leadership
• Publisher: Scottish Government