THE ROLE OF THE PRIglyph1197CIPAL AS Aglyph1197 Iglyph1197STRUCTIOglyph1197AL  
LEADER Iglyph1197 CREATIglyph1197G A QUALITY LEARglyph1197Iglyph1197G 
 Eglyph1197VIROglyph1197MEglyph1197T 
 
 
 
 
 
CLEOPAS KOKAglyph1197E KAU 
Student glyph1197umber: 0617800V 
 
 
 
Supervisor: Caroline Faulkner 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A Research Report submitted to the Faculty of Education, 
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 
In partial fulfillment of the requirements  
for the degree of  
MASTER OF EDUCATIOglyph1197 
 
February 2009 
 
 
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 ABSTRACT 
 
This research is underpinned by a conceptual framework which is based 
upon the theory that the principal should share leadership responsibilities 
with educators to inspire commitment in creating a quality learning 
environment.  The research investigates the role of the principal in creating 
a quality learning environment to improve school performance and the 
achievement of its learners.  
 
The research considered complexities surrounding educational reforms 
which require a collaborative approach wherein the principal invites 
educators to participate in a discussion on how instructional activities 
should be conducted in a school. When principals who are instructional 
leaders accept their instructional role and exercise it in collaboration with 
educators, they practice an integrated form of leadership. 
 
This report is relevant in the South African context because the situation in 
South Africa is made critical by the introduction of a new curriculum 
framework which requires an approach which will emphasise the principal?s 
interactive role with educators in the central area of curriculum, instruction 
and assessment. Shared instructional leadership is an inclusive concept, 
compatible with competent and empowered educators. 
 
 Educators assume leadership responsibility when they interact with other 
adults in the school community around school reform efforts, encourage 
others to improve their professional practice, or learn together with their 
school colleagues (Moller & Katzenmeyer, 1996).                                             
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A qualitative methodology was used which involved a secondary school in 
Gauteng.This case study was undertaken to establish the principal?s and 
educators? perception of the role of the principal as an instructional leader. 
Although limited in its scope, the research revealed valuable information 
which identified contextual factors such as socio-economic, organizational 
climate and educator commitment which concluded that these are factors 
which play a significant role in creating a quality learning environment.    
 
What is needed in South Africa for a quality education to take place is an 
inclusive approach to leadership to promote a school climate supportive of 
teaching and learning. Instructional leadershipis shared, therefore, in that 
specific leadership functions are carried out by designated staff members 
working in collaboration, under the guidance and direction of the principal. 
 
Keywords 
School leadership  
Shared instructional leadership 
Distributed leadership 
School-focussed staff development 
Collaborative teaching 
Collegiality 
Induction 
Strategic learning 
Developmental appraisal 
 
 
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 DECLARATIOglyph1197 
 
 
 
I declare that this Research Report is my own, unaided work. It is being submitted in 
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education at the 
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. 
It has not been submitted for any degree or examination in any other university. 
 
Cleopas Kau 
 
 
Signed: 
February 2009 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 v
 DEDICATIOglyph1197 
 
 
I dedicate this research report to my wife, Margaret, and three sons, Jerry, Tshepo and 
Koketso. 
Without their continuous support, understanding and assistance through trying times, I 
would not have been able to complete it. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 ACKglyph1197OWLEDGEMEglyph1197T 
 
 
?  I thank the Almighty God for giving me the strength and endurance to persevere 
and remain committed in completing this research report. 
? I also thank my late Father, Mother, Brother and Sister who inspired me 
spiritually to remain on course with my studies despite obstacles. 
? To my supervisor, Caroline Faulkner ? thank you for your guidance and patience 
throughout the preparation of this research report. 
? I would also like to thank Ms Francine de Clercq, Professor Michael Cross and 
Professor Brahm Fleisch for putting up with me through all my years of 
postgraduate studies. 
? I am also grateful to the Principal and Staff who willingly participated in the 
interview and questionnaires and made it possible for me to complete my research 
study. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 LIST OF ABBREVIATIOglyph1197S 
 
H.O.D - Head of Department 
I.Q.M.S ? Integrated Quality Measurement Systems 
L.O ? Life Orientation 
L.T.S.M ? Learning and Teaching Support Material 
N.C.S ? National Curriculum Statement 
N.E.E.E.D.U ? National Education Evaluation and Development Unit 
R.C.L ? Representative Council of Learners 
R.D.P ? Reconstruction and Development Programme 
S.A.D.T.U - South African Democratic Teachers? Union 
S.G.B ? School Governing Body 
S.M.T - School Management Team 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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LIST OF TABLES 
 
Table 1.1 ?????????????????????????.. 38  
Table 1.2 ?????????????????????????.. 38 
Table 2 ??????????????????????????. 44 
Table 3 ??????????????????????????. 45 
Table 4 ??????????????????????????. 45 
Figure 1 ?????????????????????????? 61