MODULE 1
MODULE 1: The Pragmatic School Leader
Module 1: The Pragmatic School Leader (PSL)
· What is pragmatic school leadership?
· The importance of being pragmatic in school leadership
· The skills and qualities of a pragmatic school leader
· How to develop a pragmatic approach to school leadership
What is Pragmatic School Leadership?
Pragmatic school leadership is a leadership approach that is based on the belief that the best way to improve schools is to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to try new things. Pragmatic school leaders are not afraid to experiment with new ideas and approaches, and they are always looking for ways to improve student learning.
Pragmatic school leaders are also skilled at building relationships with their stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and staff. They understand that in order to be successful, they need to have the support of their stakeholders.
Watch the following on what effective leadership looks like in schools by EduSkills OECD. As you watch it, reflect on your own role as a school leader in your current school or as an intending school leader.
The importance of being pragmatic in school leadership
Being pragmatic in school leadership is important because it allows school leaders to be flexible and adaptable in the face of change. The educational landscape is constantly changing, and school leaders need to be able to adapt to these changes in order to be successful.
Pragmatic school leaders are also able to make decisions based on data and evidence. They are not afraid to experiment with new ideas and approaches, and they are always looking for ways to improve student learning.
Here are some of the benefits of being pragmatic in school leadership:
Improved student learning: Pragmatic school leaders are constantly looking for ways to improve student learning. They are willing to try new things and to experiment with new approaches.
Increased stakeholder support: Pragmatic school leaders are skilled at building relationships with their stakeholders. They understand that in order to be successful, they need to have the support of their stakeholders.
Improved school climate: Pragmatic school leaders create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students, staff, and parents.
Increased school improvement: Pragmatic school leaders use data to make decisions about how to improve their schools. They are able to identify areas for improvement and to implement effective strategies for improvement.
Skills & Qualities for Pragmatic School Leaders
Certain skills are required for becoming a pragmatic leader in any organization. Some of them are discussed below:
Pragmatic school leaders are also data-driven. They use data to make decisions about how to improve their schools. They collect data on student learning, teacher effectiveness, and other factors, and they use this data to make informed decisions about how to improve their schools.
Pragmatic school leaders are also visionary. They have a clear vision for what they want their schools to achieve. They are able to articulate this vision to their stakeholders, and they are able to rally their stakeholders around this vision.
Pragmatic school leaders are also effective communicators. They are able to communicate effectively with their stakeholders, both verbally and in writing. They are able to explain complex ideas in a clear and concise way.
Pragmatic school leaders are also ethical leaders. They are committed to doing what is right for their students and their schools. They are honest, fair, and transparent in their dealings with their stakeholders.
Pragmatic school leaders are essential for improving schools. They are able to bring together the best ideas and approaches from different fields to create schools that are effective and that meet the needs of all students.
Problem-solving skills: Pragmatic school leaders are able to identify and solve problems. They need to be able to think critically and creatively in order to find solutions that work.
Collaboration skills: Pragmatic school leaders need to be able to collaborate with others. They need to be able to work with their staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.
The next video is about 7 essential qualities of Great Leaders by Brian Tracy.
Benefits of Pragmatic School Leadership (PSL)
PSL has a lot of benefits if well practiced. The following are some of the benefits of pragmatic school leadership:
Improved student learning: Pragmatic school leaders are constantly looking for ways to improve student learning. They are willing to try new things and to experiment with new approaches.
Increased stakeholder support: Pragmatic school leaders are skilled at building relationships with their stakeholders. They understand that in order to be successful, they need to have the support of their stakeholders.
Improved school climate: Pragmatic school leaders create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students, staff, and parents.
Increased school improvement: Pragmatic school leaders use data to make decisions about how to improve their schools. They are able to identify areas for improvement and to implement effective strategies for improvement.
How to Develop a Pragmatic Approach to School Leadership
If you are interested in developing pragmatic school leader abilities, there are a few things you can do:
a. Get involved in your school community: Get to know your students, staff, and parents. Get involved in school activities and events.
b. Read about educational leadership: There are many books and articles available that can help you learn about educational leadership.
c. Talk to other school leaders: Talk to other school leaders about their experiences and their challenges.
d. Get involved in professional development opportunities: There are many professional development opportunities available that can help you develop your skills as a school leader.
By taking these steps, you can become a pragmatic school leader who can make a difference in the lives of your students and your school.