Leading a School in France: An Observational Study of Principals’ Day-to-Day Work

• In Event: Roundtable Session 90
  In Roundtable Session: Principalship Roundtable

Abstract

This exploratory study aims to show how school principals in France work and how and when they deal with school development issues. I have visited five collèges (secondary schools) from one school district in Paris, France. Using a quantitative approach derived from structured observation, each principal was observed for one week. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with all principals and their vice principals.

The results allow me to precisely show how principals in France spend their work-time. They are well comparable to findings from corresponding American studies, highlighting the similarities but also the differences with regard to the principals' work practices and leadership styles. Thus, they can serve as a foundation for a deeper cross-cultural understanding of school leadership.

Author

• Pierre Tulowitzki, University of Teacher Education of Zug (PHZ)