Managing to lead? Contemporary perspectives on principals’ practices in Russia

This chapter outlines findings from two new empirical studies that illuminate firstly, how principals in Russia currently view their role, and secondly, how far the preparation and training that principals receive shapes their day-to day practice. It focuses on the findings from a contemporary international study that is exploring how principals are prepared and trained in different education systems. Then, the chapter outlines evidence from the 7-System Leadership Study (7SLS) to outline the approaches to principals’ leadership preparation and development being adopted in Russia. As qualitative data collection continues, in all 7SLS countries including Russia, analyses thus far are offering important insights into principals’ training and their professional practice in different contexts. Findings show that while the apparatus of change has clearly arrived in the form of new principal standards and new policy expectations, in reality, principals in Russia are still expected, and indeed trained, to be managers rather than leaders.