An induction programme for newly–appointed school principals in Bophuthatswana

[摘要] The purpose of this study was to determine the problems of beginningprincipals, and the essential skills they need in order to survive during theentry years, to examine current induction programmes for new principalsand to determine empirically the problems and critical skills for newprincipals with the ultimate aim of developing an induction programme fornew school principals in Bophuthatswana.Little has been documented about the induction needs of beginningprincipals in developing countries like Bophuthatswana. Similarly, littleattention is paid to supporting new principals during the entry years.The subjects of the study were the new principals appointed toprincipalships for the first time during the period 1990-July 1993, and astratified random sample of 250 veteran principals. Results from 394respondents were analysed. The study revealed that new principals indeveloping countries like Bophuthatswana are more concerned aboutsystems problems like inadequate physical facilities, shortage of trainedteachers, pupils who cannot afford to buy books and pay fees. The studyalso revealed that new principals need self-awareness, technical and socialskills in order to perform their roles effectively.On the basis of the problems and skills identified from the literature andthe empirical study, an induction programme for new principals inBophuthatswana was developed. The study recommends that a well-structuredinduction programme should be employed to help the newprincipals to learn the ropes. A mentoring system is seen as one of thebest strategies to help the new principal to jump the first hurdles.

[发布机构] North-West University