Abstract:
The constant challenge of managing uncertainty
makes the professional development of school principals
increasingly important. School improvement is unlikely
to happen without qualifed school leaders who continuously work on their professional development. This article
explores professional development of school principals in
Kazakhstan. Data were collected through document analysis
and semi-structured interviews with thirty school principals
from public and private schools. The outcome of the study
indicates that professional preparation for school principals
is crucial. School leaders do not have any induction courses
prior to their service and often absorb everything as they get
immersed by working out what needs to be done in process.
Furthermore, current professional development programs
do not meet the needs of school principals. The conclusion
includes recommendations to improve professional development opportunities for school principals in Kazakhstan and
a wider community
