October 2024
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School leadership has emerged as a crucial variable for the provision of educational quality. Education policy in Latin America has sought to follow the international trends for the professionalization of school leadership. Following a theoretical model defining the key dimensions for the professionalization of school leadership, the paper examines eight educational systems in the region that have made significant progress in this area. Five educational systems will be explored using TALIS 2018 principal data, while three others are the subject of in-depth case studies. Our findings show that despite significant advances in the definition of functions and recruitment and selection process, several challenges remain particular regarding the professional development of principals and their working conditions. The paper concludes with policy recommendations on how the region can move forward.