International thought leaders

Following the publication of 'Ambitious Excellent Schools: Our Agenda for Action' (by the then Scottish Executive, 2004), the International Thought Leaders Programme was established, to give Scottish educators access to world-class thinking on leadership. 

Initially, three key international educational figures were identified and approached to work with the Scottish system to advise and guide our thinking. They were Dr Terry Dozier, Ellen Moir and Professor Richard Elmore. Subsequently the team has hosted visits by:

• Professor Richard Teese, Rapporteur of the OECD Review on Quality and Equity of Schooling in Scotland

• Patrick Duignan, Foundation Chair in Educational Leadership and Director of the Flagship for Creative and Authentic Leadership at Australian Catholic University.

The Thought Leaders Programme confirmed that the focus on CPD and leadership that followed TP21 was appropriate and was viewed as high quality in global terms. It also supported thinking on areas for further development. These have included the Learning Rounds Programme and the Scottish International Summer Schools on School Leadership.

In addition to these visits to Scotland, Scottish Government supported a small number of places at the Harvard Summer Schools on School Leadership in 2006 and 2007. A group of Scottish educators worked with American colleagues on a range of issues related to school leadership and school improvement.