Author: Anca Nedelcu

Introduction. Over the last decades, an impressive number of conceptual models in the field of educational leadership have emerged; contingency or trait theories, situational, instructional, shared or distributed school leadership approaches, all tried to demonstrate their specific impact on school development and students achievement.

Aim of the study. The present paper is focused on exploring one of the foremost models, subject of systematic inquiry and controversial debates developed in relation with school or in nonschool organizations: transformational school leadership. The approach is considered a relevant support for school change process. Its contribution is analyzed in comparison with the benefits of other competing models, the aim of the paper being not to establish hierarchies but to gather significant solutions for better schooling. As a reconciliation solution, the integrative leadership model is also advocated.
Keywords: transformational school leadership, shared instructional leadership, distributed leadership, school improvement and development