“Operational framework to support capacity building of educational professionals for school improvement solution development in schools and municipalities”

Name of the project: “Operational framework to support capacity building of educational professionals for school improvement solution development in schools and municipalities”

Project No.: VPP-IZM-Izglītība-2024/1-0001

Project Lead Partner: University of Latvia

Project manager: Ģirts Burgmanis

Scientific group:

1.1. leading researcher / scientific leader Ģirts Burgmanis;

1.2. leading researcher / main performer Dace Namsone;

1.3. researcher / main performer Pāvels Pestovs;

1.4. leading researcher / performer Liena "Hačatarjana;

1.5. researcher / performer Kārlis Greitāns;

1.6. researcher / performer (student) Ildze Čakāne.

Project implementation period: 01.10.2024. - 31.12.2026.

Total project funding: 500 005,00 EUR.

Project objective:

To develop a research- and evidence-based operational framework and innovative solutions for educational leadership and management capacity building of educational professionals in school improvement.

Project summary:

Over the past six years, Latvia's education system has undergone significant curriculum reforms to promote a student-centered approach. However, despite decentralizing education quality responsibilities in 2021, implementing these reforms in classrooms has been slow and fragmented. This project addresses these issues by developing an evidence-based operational framework to enhance the educational leadership and management (EL&M) capacity of teachers, school leaders, and local education authorities. Using a design-based research approach, the project will produce seven key deliverables: a descriptive EL&M framework, a competency framework, a data-driven toolkit for profiling EL&M practices, profiles of EL&M practices, a conceptual model for EL&M competency development, tailored professional development solutions, and implementation recommendations. These tools will support data-driven decision-making, align educational practices with national reforms, and promote inclusive education, leading to better student outcomes. The project will impact all stakeholders by providing school leaders and local education authorities with practical tools for effective innovation implementation. It will also offer the local and international scientific community new insights into effective EL&M practices, contributing to the discourse on educational reform and capacity building. Education policymakers will receive recommendations for implementing the operational framework.