The Missing Link: School Leadership and Student Outcomes in HK Secondary Schools (A GRF Project)

This study is based on the premise that if school leadership is to hold real meaning it must be framed predominantly in terms of student outcomes, and it brings together these two issues for the first time in research in Hong Kong. Drawing on a current landmark project in the UK, and on previous research into school leadership in Hong Kong, the study investigates the complex relationship between school leadership and a range of student outcomes in Hong Kong secondary schools. Specifically, it will determine the extent to which variation in student outcomes –both formal achievement and affective outcomes – is associated with variation in how leadership is conceptualized and practiced. It will also determine both the direct and indirect influence of leadership on in-school factors and student outcomes. A mixed method approach will combine quantitative and qualitative methods to provide both a comprehensive picture of the relationship across Hong Kong secondary schools as well as rich descriptions drawn from selected case study schools. Outcomes of the research are expected to enhance theoretical understanding of school leadership generally and expand knowledge of leadership effects specifically in Hong Kong. Findings can be subsequently used to inform education policy makers and hold tremendous potential for future school leadership development programmes in Hong Kong.

Funding Source: RGC - General Research Fund (GRF)