ASSESSMENT OF A PILOT PROGRAMME FOR SUPPORTING PRINCIPALS’ LEADERSHIP FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION IN LATVIAN SCHOOLS

Abstract

This dissertation presents the elaboration and assessment of a 9-hour long professional development programme for school principals about the implementation of character education in Latvian schools. The research questions addressed the programme fit and feasibility, and how participants perceived its influence on their knowledgeability of, and their leadership competence for character education. The programme elaboration was based on the analysis of school principals’ needs in Latvia, and it was implemented in February-March 2020 in Riga and surroundings. Thirty-five school-leaders participated in this practitioner research, which used mixed methods (questionnaires pre- and post-intervention with rating and open questions, focus group discussion and a reflective journal). The rich data obtained were analysed using SPSS 26, AQUAD 7 and NVivo 11. The results confirmed the programme fit and feasibility and highlighted the importance of combining personal reflection and sharing in the programme activities, of offering professional materials practically useful at school, and of creating a friendly atmosphere of mutual trust and support. Based on the results, suggestions for improving the programme and for further research were put forward.