A move to raise better outcomes in underperforming schools will start soon with the Education Ministry placing 41 exemplary principals there under the Pelonjakan Kepimpinan Sekolah (ProPeks) Kohort 2018 programme.

Education Minister Maszlee Malik said under the ProPeks programme, the first group of “high-performing” principals would serve for three years in schools requiring attention and assistance in the fields of leadership and management.

"During this period, they will be assisted by counsellors from Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB)," he said in a statement today.

The principals received appointment letters for their latest task from Maszlee at a ceremony held at IAB in Genting Highlands today.

Maszlee said the ministry had placed its trust on the principals whom he described as “heroes” to bring about changes that will turn around the underperforming schools.

He added that the ProPeks programme was a form of recognition of their leadership excellence in schools they previously helmed.

"The rise and success of an organisation depends not only on the quality and efficiency of its members, but also on the leadership qualities of the organisation.

"In the context of our education system, strategic leadership at the ministry level needs to be supported by a dynamic leadership team at the state education departments and regional education offices," he added.

Maszlee said the programme, which supports the Fifth Shift in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 (PPPM), was to ensure that each school was led by high-performing individuals.

He also shared that the ProPeks pilot programme started last year involved nine high-performing principals who were already set to bring changes to the schools they were posted to.

- Bernama