The holistic model of capability of Lithuanian school heads: theoretical framework and empirical evidence

Abstract

School heads play a vital role in setting the direction of school success but current knowledge about the most efficient ways of training and developing highly competent candidates is scarce in Lithuania. The content of training and development programs for school heads should be aligned with certification requirements. The question whether school heads are appropriately prepared and trained for the education reform and requirements is relevant. Clear understanding what school heads should study in professional training and development courses is lacking, there are debates over how school leadership development should be changed. It is a personal matter how school heads prepare for the certification procedure. The issue was approached by analyzing what competencies and capabilities contemporary school heads need. School leadership development programs should focus on the development of personal, social, instructional, educational, self-management and management competencies, constituent parts of holistic capabilities. Qualitative research was conducted to identify the inventory of competencies Lithuanian school heads should develop, the findings were compared with the requirements for competencies in certification documents.The research findings might serve as guidelines and recommendations while designing development programs for school heads.