Exploring the Outcomes of the Continuous Professional Development Diploma Programme in Effective School Leadership in Rwanda.

This study explored the outcomes of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) diploma programme in Effective School Leadership on headteachers' professional performance. It follows a qualitative research design. In-depth interviews and direct observation were used to collect data from a sample of 40 respondents, all purposively selected from Nyabihu district, in the Western Province of Rwanda, including 25 primary and secondary school headteachers, 11 sector education inspectors and four teachers. The study revealed that the programme is relevant to the daily practices of headteachers. It indicated that the acquired knowledge influenced headteachers' approach to leadership, improved existing school leadership practices and new initiatives were undertaken by headteachers after benefiting from the programme. The findings, however, revealed some challenges that need to be addressed to make the programme more effective. Based on the study findings, recommendations were made for an integrated and comprehensive approach by all education partners to address the aforementioned challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]