In 2007, South Korea adopted an Open Recruitment for Principals program, moving away from the traditional paradigm of a promotion-based mechanism. The case study analyzes and draws insights from the theoretical frameworks and practical enactment of the South Korean open recruitment system for school principals. The findings are used as a frame of reference to examine further the methodology, criteria, and qualifications of the selection process of principals in Taiwanese experimental schools. A mixed-method research approach is adopted, combining the features of qualitative semi-structured interviews and document analysis research to explore in-depth the principal election system of South Korea and the principal appointment system of private experimental schools in Taiwan from multiple perspectives. The research findings suggest that the selection process for principals in Taiwanese private experimental schools emphasizes the qualities, capabilities, and alignment with laboratory education values held by the principal. Moreover, the ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with faculty and parents and marketing skills for the school are highly valued. These requirements share similarities with the criteria observed in the South Korean open recruitment processes. The study suggests using the South Korean open recruitment system as a reference for reforming the principal selection process in Taiwan. In order to facilitate principals with non-educational specializations, schools could introduce professional guidance or appoint a vice principal with an educational background to ensure execution that is coherent with the school’s values and philosophy.

Authors:
Chiao Feng Lee, National Chiayi University, Taiwan
Hsuan-Fu Ho, National Chiayi University, Taiwan
Yueh-chun Huang, National Chiayi University, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Chiao-Feng Lee is a University Doctoral Student at National Chiayi University in Taiwan. She works for Victoria Academy. Her project is about the principal selection in Taiwanese experimental school.

Connect on Linkedin
https://tw.linkedin.com/company/victoria-academy-taiwan

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