Research into school effectiveness in recent decades has corroborated the theory that the school leader has a pivotal role to play in making their school a successful institution and especially in its improvement. In fact, the school leader is most often cited as the key factor in a school’s development.

Reflecting the importance it is given in today’s education landscape, this book explores the latest trends in school leadership from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Each chapter provides insight into an aspect of current research and analyzes its consequences for school leadership, with many offering internationally comparative assessments. Detailed case studies come from as far afield as Hong Kong and Canada. Among other things, chapter authors look at the growing importance placed on activities to "professionalize" school leaders, such as training and development programs and selection procedures. They also examine the professional standing and the level of decision-making authority that school leaders have in various countries.

In view of the ever-increasing burden of responsibility placed on higher management to safeguard and enhance the quality of education they provide, school leadership is now a core concern of policy makers. In addition, most countries are undertaking fundamental education reforms that will have a major influence on the nature of school leadership. Offering the most up-to-date research on this central issue, this book will both inform and shape the debate.