Die professionele ontwikkeling van skoolhoofde deur middel van 'n mentorstelsel

Abstract

This research is concerned with the following questions: • Which professional development practices are currently being employed? • What are the nature and characteristics of a mentoring system for school principals? • How are professional development programmes and mentoring systems utilised outside as well as within education? • How should a mentor program for the professional development of school principals be developed and implemented? In this research the existing professional development practices for school principals were identified by means of a literature study. After the purpose and necessity of the professional development of school principals had been identified, a number of determinants to be taken into account in any professional development strategy were identified. The six models that are functioning currently with regard to professional development were discussed, with particular emphasis on the induction phase of a person's career. The literature study showed that considerable initiatives are generated in other countries, particularly to develop a beginner principal professionally. The mentoring system has proved to be the most important of these initiatives. Attention was paid to the theoretical grounding of a mentoring system for principals. From the literature it was deduced that a mentoring system is essential for the professional development of principals and that it has distinct value if it complies with certain requirements. The functioning of mentoring systems in practice was researched empirically. Attention was paid, amongst others, to the functioning of mentoring systems outside as well as within education. From this empirical research the need for a formal mentoring system for principals in the RSA was identified. This need led to the formulation of certain guidelines for the development and implementation of a mentor programme for school principals. In conclusion, the completed research was summarised briefly. Certain findings were stipulated regarding the objectives of the research in terms of which certain recommendations were made with regard to the completed research and further research.