Digital skills of the school manager: a discussion about relevance, practices, and challenges

Abstract

The new educational models require professionals who interact with digital technology, not only with familiarity, but with the ability to apply these resources strategically and proactively. Reality demands a constant redefinition of educational practices and the digital skills of the School Manager appear as fundamental for the innovation, promotion, and efficiency of educational actions. The aim of this study is to investigate the definitions, professional contexts, and perspectives of the School Manager's relationship with digital technology. We start with the following question: how do the professional practices of School Managers, and the challenges they face, reflect the need to develop digital skills? The study is justified by advancing the discussion on the specific professional needs and practice of School Managers. To this end, a systematic review of the literature was carried out through the planning, conduction, and description stages of the study. National and international databases, Scopus, B-on and Capes Repository, were used to search for studies related to the topic. In short, all the studies analyzed confirmed the need and relevance of School Manager Digital Skills in the current educational situation, however, a significant conceptual gap is identified, as the texts do not detail which specific actions make up this set of skills. Additionally, the study showed needs and challenges related to the acquisition and application of these skills, such as the lack of national pedagogical models based on digital practices. The lack of public investment policies in structure and training for innovative school management aligned with contemporary demands was also highlighted.