Professional Development of Education Administrative Officers in Sri Lanka: A Sociological Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate into salient features of professionalism which will be developed by Sri Lanka Education Administrative Officers in the government school education system and analyses causes and effects that can be identified among current education officers attached to Western Province in Sri Lanka towards a commonly accepted professionalism. Mixed methodology is used in this research study. Survey, Case study, Auto Ethnography, and Life stories are used as research methods. In addition, Traditional Model, Craft Model, Reflective Inquiry Approach, Mentoring, Reading and Journaling will be used as tools of assessing principal/ education officer professional development. Nature and constitution of the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service (SLEAS) which comprises mainly recruitment procedure, pre-service induction training, capacity building training courses relating to the SLEAS officers and professional development of education officers in different countries will be considered as key variables in the investigation. A survey will be expected to be carried out in this research from quantitative perspective by using questionnaires, document surveys, and interviews will be employed to gather data. Furthermore, observation will be used throughout the data collection period being a member of SLEAS own experience earn for 15 years would be a valid ground for data gathering, analyzing and interpretation. The sample population consists of 110 education officers in Colombo, Gampaha and Kaluthara districts. The findings of the study will be urged policy makers and stakeholders of education system to revisit the concept of professional development programmes and leadership development in education administration officers who play a key role of education in primary and secondary education sector in Sri Lanka.Moreover, the overall results of the study will bring the intended benefits and to enhance the quality of education in Sri Lanka.