National standards for head teachers: some conceptual problems

Abstract

In trying to specify the job of head teachers or other teachers, we run into some conceptual problems. These are explored, using the TTA's National Standards for Head Teachers as an example. The key concepts are those marked by ‘success’, ‘standards’, ‘skills’, ‘management’ and ‘leadership’. Some general problems with the making of such taxonomies sre also discussed, and the importance of conceptual analysis as part of research is demonstrated.