Quality Leadership: A Literature Review for Northern Gateway Public Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize current research in educational leadership that will support Northern Gateway Public Schools with articulating quality leadership practices within the school district. In a previous literature review, quality teaching within a quality learning environment was explored; in this review we provide a follow-up with a focus on leadership in K-12 school contexts. Three broad themes were selected to help narrow the scope of this literature review: (1) leadership as collaborative practice; (2) leading learning; and (3) adaptive leadership within complex systems. The Alberta Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) was used as a frame of reference in the analysis of the literature. Connections are made between leadership themes and dimensions of teaching within quality learning environments. Potential implications for school-based and jurisdictional leaders are identified, and recommendations are made for Northern Gateway Public Schools as they continue on their journey towards quality learning for all students.