DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.187858.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

Strengthening School Leadership in Vietnam: A Policy Brief on Standards for General Education School Principals

Bay Vo Thi, Thang Nguyen, Hai Hoang Nam
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Vietnam’s education is undergoing radical and comprehensive reforms that have never been seen before, especially as management is regularly regarded as one of the most groundbreaking aspects that should be a top priority of any reform. At the heart of this transformation is the 2018 curriculum reform, which necessitates a profound shift in school management and leadership. The role of school principals is pivotal or plays a vital role in the successful implementation of these reforms. However, a considerable gap persists between the competencies mandated by policy and those demonstrated by many principals in practice. Current policies regarding general education school principals underscore the importance of robust instructional leadership; yet, the existing competency frameworks often fall short in articulating the essential skills required for effective leadership. Furthermore, the professional development pathways offered to these leaders frequently lack the depth and relevance necessary to address contemporary educational challenges. Inadequate evaluation mechanisms further exacerbate these issues, obstructing progress and equity throughout the system. To effectively bridge these gaps, decisive action is needed. That is to establish clearer and more comprehensive competency descriptors that align with national policy goals and international best practices. Such clarity will serve as a foundation for developing training programs that enhance the capabilities of our educational leaders. That is to implement robust and ongoing professional development systems that specifically target the enhancement of both management and instructional skills for principals. That is prioritizing performance-based appraisal systems is essential to ensure accountability and foster meaningful improvements within schools. Clearly, strengthening principal standards and aligning them with reform objectives is crucial for sustainable educational advancement in Vietnam. By focusing on targeted training and accountability measures, we can empower our school leaders to foster transformative educational experiences, ultimately leading to better outcomes for students and greater alignment with global standards.

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