This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Heads head for Harvard
10/07/2006
School may be out for summer, but the work's not over for 12 headteachers and council officials who are heading for America's Harvard University.
Half the group will take part in The Harvard Institute for School Leadership (July 24-31) while the remaining six will take part in Improving Schools: The Art of Leadership (July 3-11).
Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown said:
"Strong, high performing schools are driven by effective leaders. A great leader can transform a school, motivating pupils and staff alike.
"That's why we have put leadership development at the heart of our reform agenda. Headteachers need the skills and vision to direct and manage change so that pupils get the very best from their education.
"By taking part in these prestigious programmes, Scottish headteachers can learn from international best practice and will have great opportunities to develop their skills."
Margaret Alcorn, Scotland's National Continuing Professional Development co-ordinator, who will attend The Harvard Institute for School Leadership, said:
"This is such an interesting time for leadership development in Scotland. I can't wait to learn more about the way in which they build leadership capacity in schools in the States. I look forward to learning with a wide range of colleagues, and reflecting with them on how we can use our new learning and insights to support development in Scotland."
The delegates taking part in the first course - Improving schools: the Art of Leadership from July 3-11- are:
- Jacqui McKenzie, Headteacher, Sanquhar Academy, Dumfries and Galloway
- Alan Williamson, Deputy Headteacher, Hawick High, Scottish Borders
- Laurinda Ramage, Deputy Headteacher, Wardie Primary, Edinburgh
- Franca Reid, Headteacher, Longforgan Primary, Perth and Kinross
- Julie McGrogan, Deputy Headteacher St Stephen's Primary, West Dunbartonshire
- Graham Thompson (leader), director of the Scottish Centre for Studies in School Administration
Taking part in The Harvard Institute for School Leadership, from July 24-31, will be:
- Fiona Norris, Quality Improvement Officer, Inverclyde Council
- Liz Ruddy, Headteacher, Overton Primary, Inverclyde
- Dennise Sommerville, Headteacher, St Michael's Primary, Dumfries and Galloway
- Graham Short, Executive Director, East Ayrshire Council
- Margaret Alcorn (leader), National Continuing Professional Development coordinator
- Laurie Byrne, Headteacher, St Maurice's High, North Lanarkshire