Fostering a Culture of Innovation: A Case Study of Elementary School Principals in Costa Rica

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2019

Publication Title

International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership

Volume

15

Issue

6

First page number:

1

Last page number:

27

Abstract

To help promote a culture of innovation, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunication of Costa Rica established a national executive decree requiring all public schools in the country participate in the National Program of Science and Technology Fairs (NPSTF). This case study examines the role of five elementary school principals in Costa Rica in implementing and preparing their schools for the NPSTF initiative. Principals played three significant roles: the motivator of teachers and students; acquirer of NPSTF resources; and the organizer of NPSTF committees and coalitions to help train and finance the initiative. It is recommended the Ministry of Education establish a budget solely dedicated to support infrastructure and professional development for NPSTF while aligning goals with all stakeholders.

Keywords

Principal Leadership; Globalization; Science Fairs

Disciplines

Education | Educational Leadership

Language

English

UNLV article access

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