As the No Child Left Behind Act puts full federal policy behind accountability efforts, educational leadership has undergone a major transition. Leaders today must understand both classroom teaching and how to work with school staff members. Often, the school leader is portrayed as the single most important person in the school. But this model is increasingly proving ineffective, as many school leaders are hitting the wall. Here are some leadership trends in education today:
Transactional leadership emphasizes the give-and-take principle. In the workplace, we work for money, and it’s a “quid pro quo” that works as long as everyone agrees to see it that way. But in education, money isn’t the primary motivator and is not a prerequisite for progress. Instead, education is often a higher purpose. And a greater purpose should drive the educational system, not money.
Earlier, instructional leaders focused on instruction. Now, they integrate technology and data in decision-making. They are also tasked with aligning staff development with student learning outcomes. In a recent report, the Education Commission of the States examined the impact of the No Child Left Behind Act on education. Similarly, master teachers are positioned to use assessment data intelligently. By implementing the newest trends in education, educational leaders can be more effective than ever.
In addition to the development of the teaching staff, good leadership in schools fosters a positive culture and a high-quality learning experience. Good school leaders to contribute to this culture by building the top skills that school leaders need to succeed. This includes promoting teaching expertise throughout the school, and ensuring that organizational values underpin the focus on improving student success. When this is achieved, students are likely to excel academically and in life. There are numerous leadership trends in education that should guide the development of school leaders.
As students’ attention spans decrease, educators will have to work harder to capture their attention. Developing new curriculum is essential. New technologies like video conferencing, online classroom management, and virtual learning opportunities will make classrooms more interactive. Teachers can also personalize learning with technology, use performance data and engage gifted students. There are many other educational trends to watch out for in the coming years. The following are some key trends in education that are worth keeping an eye on.
Demographic changes in U.S. population: Over the last 50 years, enrollments in U.S. schools have risen significantly. In 1970, they hit a high point but then fell sharply, leading to the closure of many schools and cuts to teaching staffs. Enrollment trends began to increase again in the late 1980s and continued to grow in the following decade. This change is particularly important in today’s economy.
