Envisioning Education in a Digital Society: Effective school leadership and accountability strengthening to ensure value for money in education systems

Group Submission Type: Formal Panel Session

Proposal

In high-needs schools, effective leadership is demonstrated by leaders who establish and maintain learning and teaching environments that both meet the needs of their students and fulfill the requirements of their accountability frameworks. School leadership practices make up the second most important component in achieving academic outcomes at the school level, even though the quality of education in the classroom is the most important aspect (Louis et al., 2010).
This panel intends to share findings from action research conducted in three different settings in Tanzania and Rwanda for the purpose of improving school leadership in the digital era in the resource constrained environment. The first abstract is developed from a study conducted as a process of monitoring the implementation of the government strategy on inclusive education in Tanzania. In this study the authors share the insights gained from community engagement in improving accountability in the leadership at school level. The focus is set at how embracing social accountability and bringing the community in addressing challenges facing the school may lead to improved school governance and eventually improved learning outcomes for children furthest behind. The authors argue that with the increase in digital innovations, it is alarming that the digital divide keeps on expanding and as such children with special needs in resource constrained areas are left furthest behind.
The second abstract intends to share evidence from the teacher’s continuous professional development through exchange program in Rwanda and how the engagement has enhanced improvement of instructional leadership and performance of individual teachers and their schools. The authors will present a model of partnership between civil societies and the ministry of education to champion exchange programs intended to increase capacity of the teachers. The program also is working to improve the assessment systems that has adopted use of technology for increased efficiency in resource constrained settings.
The third abstract will share evidence of how empowering parents in pastoral communities leads to effective school leadership as well as increase in performance of students in schools. This case presents evidence from communities where most of the parents have not been to formal schools, but they have embraced their role to participate in school leadership to help bring quality education to their children and in particular girl child.
The fourth presentation looks at the integration of digital tools into STiR Education’s approach to school leadership illustrates how technology can transform education systems in a rapidly evolving digital society. The author will share how by fostering peer learning networks, supporting continuous professional development with EdTech, and promoting data-driven accountability, STiR Education provides a scalable and sustainable model for school leadership. This approach ensures that teachers and school leaders are equipped with the skills and support needed to drive lasting educational change. As we continue to envision education in a digital society, this paper will present how STiR Education’s model offers valuable insights into how digital innovations can enhance teaching, learning, and leadership for a brighter future.
With increased innovations in technology and digital savvy in the education provision, there is danger that children from marginalised communities will continue being the victims of the innovations and always being at the margin if no deliberate efforts are taken to improve the inclusive consideration and design factors in shaping the innovation space. In the upcoming CIES annual conference, this panel will uncover the stories which are not commonly spoken about in school leadership and how it can help to raise the voice of the marginalised children in the innovation spaces.

Sub Unit

• General Pool

Organizer

• Gaudence Kapinga, Regional Education Learning Initiative, Africa (RELI Africa)

Chair

• Khadija A Shariff, Milele Zanzibar Foundation

Individual Presentations

• Strengthening School Leadership and Accountability for Sustainable, Competency-Based Education in East Africa - Tobias tobias.Mulupi, Educate!; Meghan C Mahoney, Educate!

• Harnessing Digital Innovations to Transform School Leadership: Leveraging Digital Tools for Scalable Leadership Development and Teacher Motivation in Uganda - Jane Sebuyungo Nantayi, STiR Education

Discussant

• Deborah Kimathi, Learning Generation Initiative, EDC