Leaders underestimation, overestimation or alignment: Perspectives in program implementation

Leadership is critical to shaping and supporting individual teachers’ endeavors to integrate new programs into their teaching. To determine the necessary support, leaders must be aware of the needs of the school and its individuals. In understanding their needs, leaders can then support teachers through appropriate professional development and the discussion of identified issues to sustain improvements in teaching and learning throughout the school. Optimally, school leaders’ perception of need will match that of the teachers with whom they work. However, when perceptions do not match, there may be possible repercussions. Key words: Program implementation, perspectives, professional development, school improvement, cultural impact.