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Under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), the Education Ministry aspires for more schools to transform themselves to high performance schools.
It is understood that many brainstorming sessions have been held for school heads to deliberate on innovative ideas to “transform” their schools.
Let me share my understanding of school transformation which I put into practice when I was the head of a secondary school in Seremban.
I subscribe to the premise that transformation is not about just doing more of the same things more efficiently and effectively and that leadership is not about just getting everybody to follow.
Transformation of an institution can come about when all stakeholders are allowed to fully realise their potential towards achieving the institution’s vision.
I perceive school as a living organism. It is alive and needs constant care, maintenance, renewal and, most importantly, it is capable of transformation, that is responding to changes.
An organism is made up of individual cells, tissues and organs. Likewise, a school is made up of many units, panels, groups, sub-groups, departments, houses, committees, centres and so forth.
Teachers would be appointed to take charge and be responsible for these different units. The allocation of their work positions would be dependent on their strengths and experiences.
Seniority may play a part but be mindful also that part of seniority is just getting old.
Younger and capable teachers should be confident enough to take on greater responsibilities when assigned.
It is important that teachers realise that leadership is not a position but a choice.
Teachers can choose to lead. They need not wait till they are appointed principals or promoted to administrative positions before they demonstrate leadership. They can lead right where they are and right away.
Even in the simple units they are in charge of, they could administer leadership qualities or traits that they know of. Their units would flourish and prosper if they lead effectively.
by Liong Kam Chong, Serembanhttp://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/19/focus/6846262&sec=focus
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