The preparation for principalship in the Mpumalanga Province (South Africa)

This paper reports on findings from a qualitative implementation evaluation study on the Advanced Certificate in Education: School Management and Leadership (ACE:SML) 2013-2014 programme presented by the School of Open Learning (SOL) of the University of the Free State for serving and aspiring school leaders in Mpumalanga Province (MP). Utilising Patton's (2002) research guidelines for qualitative implementation evaluation studies, the aim of the study was to investigate how students experience the programme under investigation; the services provided to the students; as well as how the programme was organised. Based on thematic data analysis and evaluative studies on the preparation for principalship in South Africa, findings from this study shed light on factors influencing principals and aspiring principals' decision whether to enrol for the ACE:SML programme. The study found that students' experience of the ACE:SML programme was mostly positive. Their negative experiences may be attributed to factors both inside and outside the direct influence sphere of SOL. The SOL provided well-organised academic, administrative, mentorship and ICT services, as well as network opportunities to all the students.