Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management
Education, Training and Development - Schooling
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose: The Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management is a continuing professional development qualification designed to strengthen and enhance the skills of education professionals in the field of school leadership. This qualification aims to provide learners with a deep understanding of current practices, theories, and methodologies in school leadership and management. It equips school leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and values to effectively manage schools, work collaboratively, and improve the quality of education delivery. The qualification also focuses on developing leadership capabilities, fostering a supportive school culture, and contributing to the overall improvement of the education system.
Rationale: The need for formal qualifications in school leadership arises from the requirement to empower school leaders with the skills and knowledge essential for effective school management. This qualification offers education professionals opportunities to further their studies in school leadership and management. Developed in collaboration with universities and the Department of Basic Education, the qualification aligns with national educational goals and has been approved by the TEPEC. By offering this qualification through contact delivery, the institution contributes to meeting the country's demand for qualified teachers in school leadership and management. Targeted at current or aspiring school principals and members of school management teams, this qualification is ideal for individuals with teaching experience looking to advance their careers in educational leadership. Successful completion of the program may lead to further postgraduate studies in education leadership and management.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of policy and legislation that frames best practice in school leadership and management in South Africa whilst locating, arguing for and contesting bodies of knowledge.
- Demonstrate accountability and take full responsibility for managing school leadership, teaching and learning, whilst engaging in school activities, decision-making and projects, and ensuring the responsible use of school and community resources in performing workplace tasks and projects.
- Reflect on and develop own personal leadership attributes and characteristics, collaboration, knowledge of systems and processes, and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others in the school context and beyond.
- Gather, validate, critically reflect and evaluate information, and apply theories and knowledge around pedagogy, and leadership and management to address complex problems encountered within the school and educational context, in and outside the classroom.
- Manage people and teams empathetically and firmly, encourage collaboration and develop and maintain sound working relationships with different stakeholders over time, and within a range of contexts such as collective bargaining, negotiation and dispute resolution.
- Select, and apply effective and innovative organisational systems and processes (such as HR, Finance, Safety, IT, etc.) to manage resources in a way that aligns with the school's vision and mission, as well as to ensure compliance with legislation, policy and best practice in addressing a range of organisational needs.
- Plan for, select and manage staff and teams, assess and evaluate the performance of school stakeholders, and work together to improve performance whilst insisting on full accountability for performance.
- Model ethical and values-driven leadership that adheres to professional standards of governance and Codes of Conduct for educators, and articulate why certain decisions are taken and standards are applied.
- Communicate effectively and clearly with all school stakeholders across a range of issues and circumstances by using arguments and rationale effectively.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Identify and elaborate on policies and legislation necessary for best leadership and management practices.
- Reflect on how policy and legislation relate to leading and managing policy, planning, school development, and governance.
- Consider schools as communities and school systems in terms of leading and managing people within and outside the school.
- Appraise teaching and learning, leading and managing extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, people, and change.
- Compile action plans for improvement.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Determine personal qualities essential for effective leadership and management within the school community.
- Engage in discussions and projects regarding community resources to support the school's vision, mission, and curriculum.
- Formulate personal and professional qualities necessary for managing organizational systems, including ICT, financial, and physical resources.
- Lead and manage the school's physical and financial resources accountably and transparently.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Describe procedures for implementing effective collaborations within and outside the school context.
- Develop and communicate school values, vision, mission, policies, and plans collaboratively.
- Evaluate school leadership and management practices in South Africa and globally.
- Assess personal abilities in leadership and management in relation to competence and relevance in South Africa.
- Specify competencies, qualities, and attributes necessary for effective leadership and management in teaching, learning, and extra-curricular activities.
- Determine personal qualities for effective leadership within the broader school community.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Implement, evaluate, and enhance organizational systems using ICT where applicable.
- Apply relevant knowledge, theories, and skills in managing organizational systems, ICT, and resources.
- Create and sustain systems to promote a caring and disciplined environment, focusing on effective teaching and learning organization.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Lead and manage the planning, implementation, and evaluation of teaching to ensure quality learning.
- Review theories and models for self and others' management.
- Create an environment conducive to collaboration and negotiation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Discuss the importance of Management Information System (MIS)/Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing best practices.
- Evaluate current MIS/ICT usage and provide recommendations for improvement.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Determine effective strategies to allocate staff support and evaluate work.
- Deploy, monitor, and support staff based on pedagogical and human resource principles.
- Apply adult-learning principles in supporting staff, parents, and community members.
- Manage co- and extra-curricular activities to motivate staff and enhance learners' educational experiences.
- Understand staff disciplinary procedures and policies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Elaborate on ethical leadership aligned with the Manifesto of Values, Bill of Rights, and SACE Code of Professional Ethics.
- Explain the importance of ethical behavior in scrutinizing educators' and learners' work.
- Analyze practices of Ethical Leadership/Servant Leadership in school governance.
- Discuss the impact of management decisions on learners and teachers.
- Appraise teaching and learning practices, identify ineffective practices, and suggest improvements.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Develop and communicate school values, vision, mission, policies, and plans collaboratively.
- Communicate regularly with the DBE and School Governing Body.
- Use appropriate communication methods with parents/guardians to engage them in their children's education.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.