The media regularly reports on schools, educators, principals, governing bodies and parents involved in conflict situations and legal actions. These disputes arise from any one of a number of reasons including ignorance of the existence of legal stipulations, being uninformed about the full implications of such legal requirements, misinterpretation of the law or, alas, wilful breaking of the law. In view of the enormous changes that have taken place with the establishment of a single education system for South Africa, it is more important than ever for educators to have a working knowledge of those aspects of the law that apply to the school situation.

Grounded in democratic culture and values, Education Management and Leadership: A South African Perspective 2e enables individuals in school leadership and management positions to have an in-depth understanding of leading and managing effective schools. The book comprises twelve chapters, each discussing a different aspect of school management and/or leadership, such as managing diversity and multiculturalism in the South African context, so that a comprehensive model of an effective school is created. Consideration is given to African perspectives on management and leadership applied within educational settings. Important concepts such as effectiveness, efficiency and economy are explained and various leadership and management theories are introduced to the reader. Pertinent topics covered include the policy and legal frameworks within which educational leaders and managers operate; the management of relationships between parents, teachers, learners and the broader community; t he need for school development and planning; processes involved in establishing accountability and quality assurance; the systems required for good governance; and financial and physical resource management.

Education leadership and management have changed dramatically since 1994 with the changes in legislation governing schools. The new policies involve the learners, educators and parents to a larger extent in terms of managing schools. This text looks at these changes and the practical implications of the policies. It explores management skills such as communication, understanding systems, planning, and accountability. It gives detailed explanations of the new management systems by looking at different aspects of each piece of legislation as well as the way in which it relates to the numerous role-players involved in managing a school. This book has the advantage of taking into account all aspects of managing the whole school environment in a very practical manner.