Australian Professional Standard for Principals Leadership Profiles

Professional Practice: Leading the management ofthe schoolDescriptionPrincipals use a range of data management methods and technologies to ensure thatthe school’s resources and staff are efficiently organised and managed to providean effective and safe learning environment as well as value for money. This includesappropriate delegation of tasks to members of the staff and the monitoring ofaccountabilities. Principals ensure these accountabilities are met. They seek to builda successful school through effective collaboration with school boards, governingbodies, parents and others. They use a range of technologies effectively andefficiently to manage the school.Leading the management of the school ProfilePrincipals align managementprocedures and processes to theeducational goals and the visionand values of the school. Theyensure employment practicesand decisions are consistent withlegislative requirements. Theyallocate resources effectively tomaintain the day-to-day operationsof the school and evaluate impacton student outcomes and valuefor money. They clarify for staff therelationship between the school’svision and values and the operationaltasks that support them.Principals embed effectivedecision-making processesand build a cohesive leadershipteam. They analyse what datais important and plan how itshould be used in the support ofstudent learning outcomes. Theymake best use of technologyto record, analyse and shareinformation, to monitor progressagainst goals, and supportnew ways of working. Theymodel exemplary professionalbehaviour and promote ethicalstandards throughout the schoolcommunity.Principals ensure managementprocedures are fullyunderstood by staff who takecollective responsibility for thesmooth and efficient running ofthe school. They introduce bestpractice in human resourcemanagement to ensure theschool can attract, retain andmotivate all staff. They reviewand improve plans regularlywith the school’s governingbody so that the school’s visioncan be realised. They use aconsultative approach withstudents, staff and the widerschool community to developformal strategic plans.Principals identify trends andinfluences that will have animpact upon the managementof the school and plan for them.They review the effectivenessof processes and use ofdata to improve schoolperformance. They sharebest management practiceand use of resourceswith other schools andeducation networks. Theyembed a culture of review,responsibility and sharedaccountability to achievehigh standards for all.Developmental pathway: a principal’s increasing proficiency18 Australian Professional Standard for Principals and the Leadership Profiles