A Competence model for Latvian and Lithuanian school heads: theoretical framework and empirical evidence

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Baltijos šalys (Baltic states); Mokyklų lyderystė; Kompetencija; Baltic countries; School leadership development; Competence; Competency.

ENSchool heads play a vital role in setting the direction for successful schools, but existing knowledge on the best ways to prepare and develop highly competent candidates in Latvia and Lithuania is sparse. Inevitably, we approach the analysis with certain conception of the competencies that contemporary school heads require in Latvia and Lithuania at the current stage of education reform. We believe that effective school leadership development ought to include significant attention to personal, social, instructional, educational, self-managerial, and managerial competencies as the parts of holistic competence of school heads. The results of qualitative research allow disclosing the structure of competencies that today’s Latvian and Lithuanian school heads need to possess as well as to reveal the necessary competencies that should still be developed. The findings here do not provide clear-cut prescriptions as to what programs should teach, but they can help guide recommendations for reforming school leadership development programs and policy in Latvia and Lithuania. [From the publication]