Educational leadership in the Republic of Croatia

Abstract

The overview of leadership in education in Croatia is grounded on the analysis of its development level, insights into existing research and state of affairs, and indications of possible activities in this field of expertise. The analysis has proved the intensive field development: numerous studies have been conducted, a number of conceptual and operational documents have been created, and an expert framework for introducing positive changes into the field of expertise has been ensured. Except for the early 90s, education policy has been more declarative than really supporting change. Experts and professional associations of principals expect faster alignment with the solutions of other European countries. They emphasize the need for institutional education of principals prior to assuming the role, the definition of the competency standard, clear and measurable criteria for the principal’s election, greater security for those who have proved to be great school leaders, and a more appropriate system of professional development of leaders of educational institutions. An insight into studies confirms the existence of the continuous interest of researchers and contributes to the knowledge related to school leadership, principals’ competencies, professional development, school leadership models, and other related phenomena. In the foreseeable future, legal measures for the occupational and qualification standards of principals, the standardization of competencies and principals’ licensing, and the introduction of compulsory education for the future leaders of educational institutions are expected.