International School Leadership Development Network

The International School Leadership Development Network is a joint initiative of the British Educational Leadership and Management Society (BELMAS) and the US University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA). It currently involves scholars from a variety of countries over a range of continents. The ISLDN began with discussions at a UCEA convention in 2008. In 2010 UCEA and BELMAS agreed a Memorandum of Understanding that has further facilitated collaboration. The intention as stated in 2011 is to facilitate an international comparative study of how those involved in school leadership are supported in their preparation and development as leaders. This may include how leadership development is supported through both formal and informal networks, succession planning, teacher leadership, as well as exploring the policy context which seeks to shape leadership preparation and development in different national settings. The project has developed two strands: Leadership for Social Justice and Leadership of High Needs Schools. The initiative continues to develop organically through electronic and face-to-face meetings (the latter at the annual conferences of BELMAS, UCEA and AERA), with collection of research data beginning in 2012.