Synergy among School and District Leaders in the Application of Quality Standards in Kuwaiti Public Schools

Abstract

This study sought to identify existing levels of synergy, or cooperation and compatibility, among school and district leaders and the impact of synergy on standards of quality in Kuwaiti schools. The researcher employed a qualitative methodology based on interviews with principals and administrators representing the six educational districts in Kuwait. Synergy was found to have positive effects on school performance and to be an important tool for implementation of quality standards. Despite the desire of both school and district leaders to achieve coordinated efforts, administrative workloads, centralization of decision making, and absence of dialog have hindered the realization of an effective synergy. Effective training programs may help broaden the scope of cooperation and interaction among school and district leaders.

Keywords: Synergy, Kuwaiti school system, standards of quality, school performance, school leadership