ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers a holistic perspective of restructuring where principals are seen in relation to both the internal and external contexts of their particular schools and also in relation to key events and influences in their own life histories. It outlines the edited topical life histories of six principals. Educational restructuring is taking place in much of the world, with a deregulated, decentralized system replacing central planning, control and supervision. Australia has been no exception to the general international trend towards restructuring in education. The first policy initiative, which is eventuating in ‘macro-reforms’, involves a shift from centralized governance to decentralized, school-based management. In Australia, particular emphasis is placed on the role of the school principal in the translation of these policy initiatives into practice.
