The Postmodern Challenge to the Theory and Practice of Educational Administration

The Postmodern Challenge to the Theory and Practice of Educational Administration

Author: Fenwick W. English

Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 0398073821

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Based on nearly a decade of scholarship, this is a highly focused book on the implications of postmodernism for the construction and assessment of theory and practice in educational administration. Current ideas of practice are deconstructed, from the notions of sound research to the use of national standards in the preparation of educational leaders along with ways of examining and resolving the theory-practice gap. Part One of the book contains chapters dealing with the rise of postmodernism and describes its broad-based dissent from a century of thought in the field, including a penetrating examination of whether the concept of a field itself is viable. Part Two of the book explores the many ramifications of postmodernism to practice, beginning with ideas concerning educational research. These chapters tackle the tough issues of the efficacy of the Interstate Leaders Licensure Standards (ISLLC) and the national exam as examples of job deskilling and deprofessionalization in the guise of raising standards of preparation of future educational leaders. Other chapters deal with deconstructing the popular managerial ideas contained in Stephen Covey's works and dispute Joe Murphy's call for a new center of gravity in the field as reinforcing the status quo. Finally, the book tackles the issue of the theory-practice gap and indicates that new and progressive theories which anticipate problems of practice are what is required to deal with this persistent issue. The book contains many helpful exhibits in understanding the issues concerning theory and practice, as well as a glossary of terms most commonly found in postmodern discourse. This book is designed for college and university programs engaged in the preparation of educational leaders for ele-mentary/secondary schools and college administrative positions.


Systems Thinking for School Leaders

Systems Thinking for School Leaders

Author: Haim Shaked

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-03-02

Total Pages: 145

ISBN-13: 3319535714

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This book presents a new approach to school leadership – Holistic School Leadership, whereby school leaders lead schools through systems-thinking concepts and procedures. Facing growing complexity, change and diversity, school leaders need to regularly apply the systems view and perform at the systems level. This book proposes a holistic approach, providing school leaders with systemic principles of action for excellence in education. “What a wonderful book – once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. The book masterfully makes a systems leadership perspective accessible and grounded in the reality of the daily life of educators. Holistic School Leadership is a “must read” for anyone who has the responsibility for making schools better places, from professors to emerging teacher leaders.” Karen Seashore (Louis), Regents Professor of Organizational Leadership, Policy and Development, University of Minnesota “Shaked and Schechter have constructed a much needed bridge to the future of educational leadership, a future of systemic thinking and positivity.” Joseph Murphy, Professor of Education and Public Policy, Peabody College of Education, Vanderbilt University “Shaked and Schechter offer a comprehensive yet concise account of the meaning of systems thinking. The authors systematically develop their Holistic School Leadership approach with compelling examples, carefully attending to the perennial challenge of implementation. Important reading for scholars and practitioners of school leadership and management!" James P. Spillane, Olin Professor in Learning and Organizational Change, Northwestern University “This is the most important book on systems thinking since Senge’s (1990) seminal work on learning organizations. Shaked and Schechter demonstrate the critical and practical utility of systems thinking for school leaders—a must read for all reflective practitioners.” Wayne K. Hoy, Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University. “Holistic School Leadership provides an innovative and exciting look into a new perspective on educational leadership that holds tremendous potential in reshaping educational research, policy, and practice. The idea of interdependence alone makes this powerful new book required reading for anyone concerned with the future of education and educational leadership in particular. Give yourself, your colleagues, your students, and your system the gift of the wisdom in this book.” Alan J. Daly, Chair and Professor, Department of Education Studies, University of California, San Diego “In this informative book, Shaked and Schechter offer a fresh application of systems thinking to schools and to the work of school leaders. This book is a useful addition to the bookshelves of both those who prepare and those who support school leaders.” Megan Tschannen-Moran, Professor of Educational Leadership, College of William and Mary


Curriculum Integration

Curriculum Integration

Author: James A. Beane

Publisher: Teachers College Press

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 195

ISBN-13: 0807775169

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The quintessential resource on the important topic of curriculum integration! Going well beyond other books on this subject, James Beane details the history of curriculum integration and analyzes current critiques to provide a complete theory of curriculum integration. He defines curriculum integration as a comprehensive approach rather than simply “rearranging subjects.” Using many classroom examples, he explains the relationship between curriculum integration and the disciplines of knowledge. The approach set forth in this groundbreaking volume translates into a democratic vision of general education that transcends the current standards movement. “Offers clear and understandable examples of what curriculum integration means, how it can work, and how it fits a model of democratic education.” —Choice “In this time of conservative attacks on progressive education, it is crucial that we defend and extend democratic policies and practices. James Beane has been one of the most important figures in articulating democratic possibilities in schools. Curriculum Integration shows why he so deserves our respect. It provides a clear and insightful picture of the arguments and realities of democratic curriculum development and teaching.” —Michael W. Apple, University of Wisconsin–Madison “Jim Beane urges us to completely rethink how we pursue intellectual inquiry, as well as who makes the decisions in the classroom and what our ultimate goals are. Taken seriously, as it ought to be, [his] approach could revolutionize American education.” —Alfie Kohn, author of Punished by Rewards and Beyond Discipline “Beane writes directly with a passion that reflects long-in-the-making and deeply rooted convictions about education, youth, and democracy.... This book is a critically important resource . . . and it will remain so for years to come.” —John H. Lounsbury, National Middle School Association


Leadership and Diversity

Leadership and Diversity

Author: Jacky Lumby

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2007-03-22

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 9781412921831

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As society becomes increasingly diverse, there is international awareness in education about how this impacts on leaders & leading. For decades the emphasis has been placed on increasing the number of leaders with specific attributes. This text takes a wider view, challenging the reader to recognise the importance of diversity issues.


The Troubles With Postmodernism

The Troubles With Postmodernism

Author: Stefan Morawski

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-06-17

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 1134869789

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In this original and eye-opening study, Stefan Morawski sheds light on the often confused debate about postmodernism, postmodernity and human values. Drawing upon a wide range of evidence from the experience of everyday life in the sciences, religion, visual arts, literature, film, television and contemporary music, The Troubles with Postmodernism is an indispensable guide to our understanding and evaluation of contemporary literature.


The Revolt of The Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium

The Revolt of The Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium

Author: Martin Gurri

Publisher: Stripe Press

Published: 2018-12-04

Total Pages: 465

ISBN-13: 1953953344

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How insurgencies—enabled by digital devices and a vast information sphere—have mobilized millions of ordinary people around the world. In the words of economist and scholar Arnold Kling, Martin Gurri saw it coming. Technology has categorically reversed the information balance of power between the public and the elites who manage the great hierarchical institutions of the industrial age: government, political parties, the media. The Revolt of the Public tells the story of how insurgencies, enabled by digital devices and a vast information sphere, have mobilized millions of ordinary people around the world. Originally published in 2014, The Revolt of the Public is now available in an updated edition, which includes an extensive analysis of Donald Trump’s improbable rise to the presidency and the electoral triumphs of Brexit. The book concludes with a speculative look forward, pondering whether the current elite class can bring about a reformation of the democratic process and whether new organizing principles, adapted to a digital world, can arise out of the present political turbulence.


School Leadership

School Leadership

Author: Professor Gerald Grace

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2005-08-31

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 1135718636

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This text provides a study of the education policy scholarship of leadership. It examines the ways in which concepts of educational leadership and management have evolved historically and culturally, reviewing contemporary debates about the nature of school leadership.; The question of what school leadership could and should be is at the centre of political, ideological and educational debate in many societies. These debates involve cultural conservatives, New Right marketeers, democrats and community educators, feminists and critical theorists as well as school governors, headteachers and teachers, parents, community members and school students.; These debates are reviewed and the theoretical context is illuminated by fieldwork accounts derived from the research participation of 88 headteachers working in English schools, both primary and secondary. Such accounts provide an insight into the challenges of contemporary school leadership as headteachers face new power relationships, new curriculum responsibilities and management and marketing cultures which generate moral, ethical and professional dilemmas for many of them.