Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management
Education, Training and Development - Schooling
Purpose and Rationale
Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management
Purpose
The main purpose of the Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management qualification is to provide a structured professional learning pathway for current and aspiring school principals. This program aims to equip them with the necessary knowledge and competencies to effectively lead and manage schools in alignment with national goals (DBE, 2015). The qualification focuses on enhancing leadership skills and competencies, improving school management procedures, preparing other team members for leadership roles, and promoting good practices in school leadership and management.
Rationale
The qualification was developed in response to the National Policy on the Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications and aims to align teacher education qualifications with national standards. It builds upon the Advanced Certificate in Education: School Leadership (ACE: SL) introduced in 2007 to improve leadership in schools. The program is designed to address leadership and management challenges in schools, enhance the effectiveness of School Management Teams, and contribute to achieving transformation goals for education in South Africa. It aligns with the South African Standard for Principalship (SASP) and focuses on key areas of leadership and management defined by the Department of Basic Education.
The qualification also responds to the National Development Plan (2012) by emphasizing the appointment of qualified and competent principals. It aims to develop professionalism, image, and key competencies required from school leaders and managers. By addressing the professional development needs in education, the program aims to develop reflective practitioners, scholars, and enablers of leadership in others. Ultimately, the qualification is geared towards improving the management and leadership capacity in the education sector in South Africa.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of educational leadership and management### including an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories### and detailed knowledge of educational leadership and management.
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in educational leadership and management and their suitability to specific investigations### and the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on, and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use### and the ability to independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system-bound, and does not occur in isolation.
- Produce a professional portfolio and workplace project that reflects leadership and management capabilities and improvement.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner, and facilitate collaborative learning processes.
- Model ethical and values-driven leadership that adheres to professional standards of governance and Codes of Conduct for educators and motivates 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:
- Understand the nature and purpose of educational leadership and management
- Differentiate between organisational models
- Discuss generic leadership and management principles
- Explore transformational, instructional, and distributed leadership models
- Compare and contrast various educational leadership and management theories
- Select the most appropriate approach for a specific leadership and management situation
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply evidence-based enquiry to solve contextual problems
- Engage in reflective action and action research
- Explore various data gathering methods and effective use of ICT
- Conduct project management within the school
- Develop knowledge and methodology of reflective practice and data analysis
- Use data and research findings to improve school conditions
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate problem-solving techniques, innovation, and creative thinking skills
- Create, manage, innovate, and sustain systems to solve problems
- Apply technical and pedagogic content knowledge in school environment
- Implement and improve organisational systems using ICT
- Manage People, teaching and learning, physical facilities, learner affairs, administrative information systems, and financial affairs in a school
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Conduct a needs analysis in the school
- Plan interventions based on understanding of the school context
- Execute management and leadership strategies to improve teaching and learning
- Engage with information management systems
- Set up and maintain school resource management systems
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Understand the relevance of 'context' in school leadership and management
- Highlight contextual tensions, contradictions, and harmonies
- Understand the policy and legislative framework of South African education
- Lead and manage teaching in alignment with national, provincial, and school policy
- Plan, execute, and evaluate school-specific projects for improvement
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Compile evidence of applied competence
- Reflect on educational leadership and management
- Undertake evidence-based inquiry
- Use data and ICT for decision-making and practice changes
- Evaluate the impact of changed practices and make adjustments
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Assess personal abilities in leadership and management
- Understand competencies necessary for effective leadership and management
- Engage in independent study and establish Communities of Practice
- Infuse identity development and reflexive practice in leadership
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Elaborate on ethical leadership in schools
- Align ethical leadership with values in education
- Analyze practices of Ethical Leadership in school governance
- Value modeling good classroom practices and feedback
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Develop and communicate school values, vision, mission, and policies collaboratively
- Communicate effectively with DBE, School Governing Body, and parents
- Secure commitment to school values and plans
- Apply appropriate communication strategies for stakeholder involvement
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
- Assessment guided by institution's policy
- Focus on applied competence
- Formative assessment for continuous improvement
- Summative assessment at the end of modules
- Reflective practice and Professional Portfolio for evidence of competence
- Workplace Project and Development Plan as part of summative assessment
- Assessment conducted by various stakeholders for credibility and value.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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