03 Nov 2006
Grooming Good Leadership in Schools a Priority for MOE
- We refer to the recent discussion in Today Voices on the role of school leaders.
- The Ministry of Education (MOE) places great emphasis on good leadership in schools. Our schools need dedicated, inspiring and forward-looking leaders who can harness the creative energies of the teachers to educate and better prepare the young for the future. To this end, we have put in place elaborate processes for selecting, developing and assessing our school leaders.
- Our school principals know that they have to lead and inspire their staff if they are to achieve the desired educational outcomes. They are given ample opportunities to develop their leadership capabilities. Apart from key leadership development programmes, principals attend forums, workshops and conferences regularly. These not only help to develop their leadership competencies, but also build their capacity to lead schools in a dynamic educational landscape.
- School leaders are assessed on a holistic set of criteria, including the quality of their innovations, their ability to create a conducive environment for teachers and learners, and their ability to lead people. Contrary to Mr Siew Kum Hong’s fears (For the students or for ‘sir’? 25 Oct), principals are not rewarded for merely coming up with new ideas that have little educational merit. However, we do expect our principals to be innovative, in response to changing needs and in the light of new research and knowledge. They should encourage and support their teachers and staff to think of new and better ways of delivering education, instead of merely doing what is “tried and tested”.
- Principals and MOE recognise and appreciate the good work of caring and effective classroom teachers. Indeed, under the Enhanced Performance Management System, a classroom teacher is assessed on the competencies to “nurture the whole child”, provide a positive learning environment for students through creative teaching and see to the students’ well-being.
- School leaders and teachers play a critical role in preparing our young for the future. It is a challenging vocation which requires much passion and commitment. We agree with Mr Ho Kong Loon (Give marks for care and dedication, 30 Oct) that good parental and public support would go a long way in helping them succeed in their mission.
Wong Siew Hoong
Director, Schools Division
Ministry of Education
Lu Cheng Yang
Director, Personnel Division
Ministry of Education
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