School Leadership – Part Two

Leadership Styles in Schools

Democratic (Participative) Leadership

• Encourages staff input in decision-making.
• Promotes teamwork and inclusiveness.

Autocratic Leadership

• Makes decisions without consulting others.
• Effective during crises but may lower morale.

Transformational Leadership

• Inspires and motivates staff to exceed expectations.
• Focuses on long-term school improvement.

Transactional Leadership

• Focuses on supervision, organization, and performance.
• Uses rewards and punishments to achieve goals.

Laissez-faire Leadership

• Gives staff freedom to make decisions.
• Suitable for highly experienced and motivated teams.

Challenges Facing School Leadership in Ghana

• Inadequate funding and logistics
• Teacher absenteeism and low motivation
• Indiscipline among students
• Lack of community support
• Political interference in school management
• Curriculum changes without adequate resources
• Infrastructural deficits

Strategies for Effective School Leadership

• Build strong communication channels.
• Encourage continuous professional development.
• Institute transparent systems for accountability.
• Use data – driven decision – making (e.g., analyzing BECE/WASSCE results).
• Foster a positive school culture.
• Prioritize teacher welfare and student well-being.
• Embrace technology and innovation.
• Engage stakeholders regularly through meetings and feedback mechanisms.

Legal and Policy Framework for School Leadership in Ghana

• GES Code of Conduct for Staff
• Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023)
• Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049)
• National Teachers’ Standards (NTS)
• Professional Learning Community (PLC) Framework
• Inclusive Education Policy (2015)

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