Path To Shaping Strong Principals In Singapore

30th October 2021

In this time of constant change and uncertainty, school principals are required to be efficient to manage major levels of complexity in its governance and policy implementation. Pre-planning is not enough; being able to elucidate and make strategic plans for the future is a huge focus in educational development today.

To prepare yourself for the challenging role and enhance your administrative skills, taking up one of the Online Educational Administration and Management Courses in Singapore would be quite useful.

The role of a principal in the United States has turned quite complex. The stress that comes along with the responsibility is immense. Duty hours are long and the turnover is alarming. A slightly different picture can be seen internationally in the top-performing systems, where the role is still demanding, but not impossible to perform.

In Singapore, students are consistent in performing at high levels on international assessments. Singapore has developed strong, collaborative school leaders in a well-developed and highly rational education system. This did not happen by chance. The education system in Singapore has evolved over the past 40 years.

It has taken its education system to a level that can be compared with many developing countries to even the highest performing systems in the world. The country has knowingly designed different parts of the system to work jointly with other parts and it is has become clear while examining how principals are trained and prepared. The system is such that it only foresees success for principals.

Let us look at few ways how Schools in Singapore shape up their teachers for leadership roles like that of a principal!
 

• School Principals are Highly Valued in Singapore

There are two fundamental values that define principal leadership and development in Singapore. Firstly, prominent resources are used in their path of progress. Apart from it, all expenses for their professional development as well as study trips abroad are fully funded. Moreover, principals even receive full salary compensation for all training, including longer training sessions.

Secondly, principals are given the full freedom to take any decision, owing to the investment that has been made in their development. They are said to have professional expertise and deep knowledge on the subject.
 

• School Principals are Carefully Identified and Selected in Singapore

Aspiring school leaders looking to become principals are properly prepared and groomed by senior leaders in the Ministry of Education.This process is quite clear and transparent and has three main divisions: the Leadership Track, the Teaching Track, and the Specialist Track. All educators in Singapore are involved in this process to help identify those who have the ability to become great leaders in the system.

Those who want to become a principal in Singapore need to go through a strict procedure where they need to first climb up the Leadership Track from classroom teacher to subject or level head, to head of department, to the vice principal, and then principal. Moreover, they must have proper content expertise and the capacity to prepare students properly. They must have the skills to efficiently organize and manage a school, and also develop their colleagues’ content knowledge and professional craft.
 

• School Principals are Regularly Evaluated as Part of Their Continuous Development and Growth in Singapore

Principals in Singapore are evaluated on annual basis with the help of an overall appraisal and development tool, the Enhanced Performance Management System (EPMS), which was fully implemented in 2005.

The process takes place in three phases comprising of performance coaching, performance planning, and performance evaluation. The planning phase involves principals working with their heads to set their targets, training, and development plans for the school and themselves. Training takes place throughout the year with cluster superintendents, who provide proper assistance and support to the 10-14 principals within their group. The principals meet with their cluster superintendent at the end of the year to discuss the results and appraisal.

You can thus conclude that principals in Singapore are carefully recognized and prepared. They go through several challenges, difficulties and also receive immense support and for their development and also help their colleagues to grow making the system more strong. Research shows that, after teacher effectiveness, school leadership is the most important factor in determining the achievement of students. Singapore has not become one of the top-performing systems in the world by fluke.

It has developed over the years and a system-wide consistency and success were always on the road ahead. So, if you are aspiring to take up the leadership and role of a principal, you can pursue Online Educational Administration and Management Courses in Singapore to enhance your administrative skills and prepare yourself to take up the challenging role.