Análisis de las tendencias temáticas y propósitos de formación de los programas ofrecidos para directivos docentes en Colombia

Principals play a fundamental role within education. Their role in front of social problems and the challenges of a pedagogical and administrative leading constitute keys to understanding the importance of this position. This article analyzes the trends and the academic purposes of the pro-grams offered in Colombia for prospective principals. For this analysis, we work with the results of a survey conducted in 105 institutions nationwide (universities and non-formal institutions). This study shows that professional development of the principal and his/her management skills require curricular designs that consider social needs and demands, and the exercise of a leadership in decision making that influences the school performance.