Abstract

KAMPER, Gerrit. A profile of effective leadership in some South African high-poverty schools. S. Afr. j. educ. [online]. 2008, vol.28, n.1, pp. 1-18. ISSN 0256-0100.

The struggle of high-poverty schools for survival is well documented. Some have overcome poverty-related odds and performed exceptionally well, prompting the following research question: What elements constitute a profile of effective leadership in high-poverty schools? Investigations conducted at six successful high-poverty schools revealed the contribution of invitational leadership to this success. I look at the personal traits and capabilities of effective leaders in high-poverty schools, as presented in a leadership profile.

Keywords : invitational leadership; poverty in South Africa; South African high-poverty school.