ELNE – Policy Recommendations & Start of Year 3
The ELNE Network brings together stakeholders and social partners in education to focus on enhancing collaborative school and educational leadership which is essential in light of the needs of educational institutions and education systems.
To facilitate the work of the network, the network puts forward an annual theme that helps tailor its activities and to foster engagement by addressing key areas connected to the theme. In September, ELNE wrapped up the second year which focused on dimensions of collaborative school leadership and collaborative educational leadership across a variety of areas, including the green and digital transitions, inclusive leadership and equity in education, school resilience, and professional development of school leaders and teachers.
Parallel to the activities held during the year, the Research Committee of ELNE was given the task of compiling a research that can facilitate a process towards the development of a EU definition of Collaborative Educational and School Leadership.
Do we really need a common EU-wide definition? Following up on the ELNE network’s consideration, it is stated that it is important to propose an EU level definition on collaborative school and education leadership for the following main reasons:
- Policy alignment –The lack of a shared EU definition hinders effective EU policy and research on this topic, which ELNE aims to address by proposing one.
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Effective implementation of EU education policies – Many EU education initiatives, such as the European Education Area (EEA) and the Union of Skills, rely on collaboration among education stakeholders. A common definition and shared principles would support countries and institutions to implement EU and national policies.
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Contributing to democratisation of education systems and institutions – An EU-level definition on collaborative leadership allows education stakeholders at national and regional levels, and different actors of education institutions to self-assess their collaborative leadership practices and to improve their processes. -
Research Support – Current research needs to be supported to enable it to focus more on collaborative school leadership and educational leadership. A common EU definition on a broader understanding of collaborative leadership in education systems and educational institutions would guide future research and strengthen ELNE’s research efforts in the coming years.
We are now happy to see the launch of Year 3 – with the new theme “Contextualising Collaborative Leadership Across Sectors”. This next phase will explore how the shared European definition can be interpreted and implemented in diverse educational settings, from early childhood education and care (ECEC) to schools and vocational education and training (VET), and beyond.
ELNE’s aim is to develop a common understanding that respects local realities while strengthening crosssector cooperation, so that collaborative leadership is not just a concept but a lived practice influencing classrooms, institutions, and policy frameworks.
Want to find out more?
Check out the Policy Recommendations and the Network’s latest Journal.
