Out of 29 candidates for principals in 13 Montenegrin schools, 13 of them did not even make it to the oral part of the exam because they did not meet the basic requirement - to get more than 70 percent of the total points on the written paper.
"Vijesti" was told by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MPNI) that out of 13 institutions that were seeking managers through a competition, only four elementary schools and one secondary school received principals.
According to the amendments to the General Law on Education adopted in September last year, candidates for kindergarten and school directors must pass a written test, as well as an oral interview before a commission of the Ministry.
"The tests conducted are a clear indication that all potential candidates for directors must meet the assessment criteria, which were first prescribed by amendments to the General Law on Education. The criteria were not introduced to satisfy the form, but rather their fulfillment is of essential importance during the election. This legal solution selects the best candidates, who possess the competencies necessary for responsible management of educational institutions, and protect schools in a professional manner from political and other abuses," Anđela Jakšić Stojanović's department responded to "Vijesti".
Through 13 published vacancies, director positions were advertised in 11 elementary and two secondary schools.
"By checking competencies, knowledge and abilities, i.e. testing in written form and after an oral interview, directors were selected for only four primary education institutions and one secondary education institution," the Ministry specified.
In schools where it was not possible to elect a director, the Ministry of Education and Science of Serbia (MESI) points out, acting directors will be appointed to manage the institution until a new vacancy is announced and resolved, and for a maximum of six months.
NEW COMPETITION
The Ministry points out that a total of 13 candidates applied for the vacancies for school principals in 29 educational institutions.
"When it comes to primary education, candidates expressed the greatest interest in the position of principal in one primary school in Rožaje and one in Nikšić, while the Nikšić secondary school had the most registered candidates. In accordance with the amendments to the General Law on Education, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has already organized testing for the selection of principals in eight primary schools and two secondary schools in Montenegro, while the selection procedure in three schools is still ongoing," they specified.
They emphasize that by checking competencies, knowledge and abilities - written tests and after an oral interview, directors were selected for only four primary education institutions and one secondary education institution.
"For the other five institutions, the selection could not be made because the candidates did not meet the clearly set criteria for the written part of the test, which includes determining priorities and making suggestions, knowledge about improving the educational process, and structuring and systematics of written work."
As explained to "Vijesti" by the Ministry of National Education and Research, the requirement for attending the oral interview is more than 70 percent of the total number of points on the written paper.
"What ten candidates for four elementary schools and three candidates for two high schools did not achieve."
They also stated that for candidates who passed both the written and oral parts of the test, ranking lists were created based on the total number of points achieved.
"The ranking list is compiled by a three-member commission consisting of the directors of the relevant directorates of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, representatives of the Institute for Education, i.e. the Center for Vocational Education, and a prominent expert in the field of education," they emphasized.
WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW TO LEAD AN INSTITUTION
The Ministry previously prepared and published the document "Description of criteria and competencies and scoring system for assessing candidates in the selection process for directors of public educational institutions".
This document stipulates that candidates for kindergarten and school directors must fully know how to manage, motivate and encourage cooperation among employees, be familiar with educational policies, and also make suggestions for improving work in schools.
The document also states that a candidate will not receive many points if, during the written part of the test, which relates to strategic planning, he or she "does not demonstrate an understanding of the goals of education and the role of the educational institution."
"...He does not make proposals or makes proposals that are irrelevant and not in accordance with the director's responsibilities. He partially determines priorities in strategic planning, partially knows the goals of education and the role of the educational institution, and therefore makes unacceptable proposals," the document states.
Satisfactory grades, according to the scoring system, will be awarded to a candidate who "recognizes priorities and defines strategic goals for the development of the institution."
"He knows how to define them, significantly recognizes obstacles and provides quality proposals, defines the mission and vision of the institution... He fully recognizes priorities and defines strategic goals, knows how to manage the process of institutional development, clearly and precisely defines priorities, precisely identifies obstacles and offers solutions for overcoming them," it is stated.
According to the document, a candidate will not be given a good grade if he does not demonstrate knowledge about improving the educational process.
"Does not demonstrate an understanding of the area of determining the quality of OV work, does not use data from external and internal evaluations of OV work, does not know or incorrectly performs a SWOT analysis (analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats to a system). If it does not have a clearly defined mission and vision of the institution and does not have clear measures for improving work in the areas of resources, staff and teaching," the criteria specify.
Positive grades (eight and ten) will be awarded to a candidate who demonstrates understanding in the area of determining the quality of educational work.
When it comes to the oral part of the exam, a candidate will not pass the test if he or she does not demonstrate "strategic vision, or if he or she does not know how to delegate work" during the interview.
"...Does not give clear instructions. The candidate is preoccupied with his own responsibility, does not delegate work properly, does not know how to motivate people. Has a limited knowledge of modern concepts of educational policies," the document specifies what will not be evaluated well.
Positive and high grades will be given to candidates who, among other things, encourage positive communication and solve problems.
"They create an organizational culture that is motivating, delegate work well... They influence team members to achieve organizational goals, motivate, are well-versed in modern educational policy concepts, encourage teamwork, and maintain good interpersonal relationships...", the MoE document emphasizes.
According to the criteria, a bad candidate for school principal is someone who "has difficulty establishing cooperation with colleagues, does not use two-way communication but only issues assignments, does not listen actively..."
The fact that communication is an important criterion is also confirmed by the requirement that the candidate must be prepared for a clear, precise and convincing exchange of information. He will receive an unsatisfactory grade if "his communication is not based on respect, appreciation and understanding".
13 out of 29 candidates did not make it to the oral exam. Principals elected in only four elementary schools and one high school
"This legal solution selects the best candidates who possess the competencies necessary for responsible management of educational institutions, and protects schools in a professional manner from political and other abuses," the Ministry of Education and Science said.
Bonus video:
