THE SPIRAL OF SCHOOL HEADSHIP IN SECONDARY EDUCATION: CHALLENGES, REQUIREMENTS AND TENSIONS

Abstract

School headship develops within a confluence framework not lacking in conflicts, ambiguities, pressures or requirements, both externally (micro politics) and internally (micro politics). Headship is at a crossroads and needs to give an answer to the requirements of the educational market, and to the real needs of the educational community, under the guidance of social justice and equity. Secondary schools experience a casuistry (backgrounds, educational levels, number of units, curriculum, and educational governing bodies) which adds more complexity to this crossroads. The dominant educational culture in these schools is not characterized by collaboration and collegiality. Hence, if the construction of a democratic and communitarian headship becomes difficult, it is even more difficult within the organizational and institutional framework of Secondary Schools in Spain.