Professional socialization for Swedish aspiring school principals: leadership expectations, experiences and policy intentions

Abstract

A growing body of evidence shows declining interest in principalship in many countries, including Sweden. This recruitment problem influenced the decision to establish the Swedish national pre-service preparation program, delivered by several universities. The purpose of the study is to examine aspiring principals’ expectations of one of these pre-service preparation programs and if their experience meets the government’s policy intention of professional socialization. A qualitative case study design was adopted, using a three-stage longitudinal approach to conduct the study with a baseline inquiry, a mid-program survey, and a post-program survey. The main conclusion of this study is that, in line with the Government’s intention, the program has met the participants’ expectations and experiences and provided them with enhanced knowledge and awareness to better understand the principal’s role. The participation and development of these individuals could be characterized as anticipatory socialization. The program seems to serve as a steppingstone toward a new role for several participants and a recruitment platform for new principals. One implication for practice is that the pre-service preparation program can serve as a professional knowledge base for becoming principals.