EXPLORING THE NEW ROLE OF THE PRINCIPAL

Abstract

The Education Labour Relations Council of South Africa passed a resolution regarding the performance management of educators in public schools, namely, the Integrated Quality Management System (ELRC Resolution 3/2003). This new performance tool aims to ensure quality public education and to improve teaching and learning in schools. The implementation of this new policy has extensive implications for schools and impacts on the role of the principal as an implementer of school policy. The aim of this study was to explore and document the new management role of the principal within the implementation framework of the Integrated Quality Management System. Specifically, this qualitative research proposed to identify challenges of the implementation process as well as to gather some lessons learned from schools that have implemented the policy. One of the main findings of the research was that principals who teach had a good understanding of curriculum delivery. It was also established that principals who participated in IQMS processes, succeeded in motivating, developing and improving their educators as well as gaining the confidence of their staff.