Exercising Leadership in Schools in Challenging Times: Findings From Research in Portugal

• In Event: Comparing International Perspectives Regarding Educational Supervision

Abstract

This chapter reports on findings from a wider research project aimed focusing on school leadership.Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 11 principals and focus group with pupils (n=108) and teachers (n=99).Findings suggest different ways of understanding and exercising leadership despite common challenges faced by the schools. The participants are critical of educational policies as they have to deal with the demands of the new accountability agenda and with intensification of the bureaucratic control, by making the apology of school autonomy.Despite this, in some schools, the exercise of leadership in more ecological and inclusive ways emerged through the promotion of bottom-up strategies and initiatives, the capacity to build trust and collegiality, and supporting meaningful experiences aimed at enhancing pupil learning.

Author

• Maria A. Flores, Minho University, Portugal