Abstract

TAPIA-GUTIERREZ, Carmen Paz; BECERRA-PENA, Sandra; MANSILLA-SEPULVEDA, Juan  and  SAAVEDRA-MUNOZ, July. Leadership of school principals in vulnerable contexts. educ.educ. [online]. 2011, vol.14, n.2, pp. 389-409. ISSN 0123-1294.

The objective of this study is to describe the relevant aspects of administrative leadership at high schools in extremely vulnerable social environments, as seen from the perspective of school principals and administrators. Using a qualitative, descriptive method, the focus-group technique was applied and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 102 teachers and school principals and administrators at municipal high schools in Chile's Araucanía region. The findings show administrative leadership encourages relationships of trust and acknowledges considerable appreciation for diversity. This is evidenced by a great deal of commitment to students and by the related values specified in the educational projects of the institution.

Keywords : Education administration; skill development; leadership; secondary teaching; teacher training; Chile.