Abstract
M.Ed.
Research indicates that the role of the principal as strategic leader is crucial in the
achievement of educators and learners in the school. Leithwood (1995:13)
corroborates this apparent correlation between the principal as strategic leader and the
achievement of both educators and learners. With respect to learners, Leithwood cites
specifics of learner behavioural patterns that are amenable to change by the principals'
leadership strategy. These behavioural patterns are: positive attitudes of learners
towards school; learner achievement in basic reading and mathematics, and reduced
learner vandalism and learner absenteeism. With respect to educators, Leithwood also
cites specific behavioural patterns that are amenable to change. These are: educator
job satisfaction, educator use of innovative practices in the classroom and the
educator's perception of the principal's leadership (ibid.). The correlation between the
role of the principal as strategic leader and the overall effectiveness and outcome of
education warrants investigation. The correlation once investigated will shed light on
how to vigorously pursue the improvement in the quality of education.