Improvement & Change Flashcards
Hopkins 1994
School improvement definition
“A systematic, sustained effort aimed at a change in learning conditions and other related internal conditions in one or more schools…with the ultimate aim of accomplishing educational goals more effectively.”
Hopkins 2002
Types of school improvement change
Types of school improvement change:
Adoptive: top down, imposed, limited success, MECHANICAL
Adaptive: Schools select initiatives, more ownership, ORGANIC
Hoban 2002
Change
Adoptive = can be mistakenly perceived as one step, linear process = introduce initiative, provide PD, teacher changes practice = enhanced outcomes
Hopkins 2002
Change
Adaptive = more sensitive to context of individual school and its local situation - concerned with developing capacity for school change rather than adopting a specific approach
Hallinger & Heck 2003
Role of leaders in school improvement
Role of leaders in school improvement is important in three ways:
- Establishing purpose (mission etc.) of school
- Establishing structures & social networks that foster collaboration
- Being people orientated in all we do
Hallinger & Kantamara 2000
Example of Participative Leadership
Thai school principals (3), participative leadership, leading by example, not forcing resistant teachers to participate in new initiatives, listening, collaborative culture, public recognition acted as motivation
Joyce 1991
Factors promoting school improvement seen as doors leading to pathways of improvement
- Collegiality - cohesive, professional relationships
- Research - staff researching, effective schools
- Site-specific data (about students)
- Curriculum initiatives
- Instructional initiatives
Caldwell & Spinks
Megatrends
- More self-management for schools
- Concern for quality education for all
- Technology leads to more learning in the home
- Stress on problem solving, creativity and lifelong learning
- More women in senior educational roles
- Greater role for parents & the community
Morrison 1998
Planning for change
“Whilst one can plan for change in a careful way, in practice the plan seldom unfolds in ways anticipated. People change things.”
Fullan 2007
Main stages of change
- Introduction of initiative
- Implementation
- Institutionalisation
Morrison 1998
Feelings when faced with change
Loss of status or loss of control
Fear of the unknown
Uncertainty and ambiguity
Vulnerability
Threat to current expertise & skill set
Fear of failure & loss of self esteem
Increased workload and stress
Fidler 2002
Typologies of people involved in change
Drivers - like change in general
Careerists - see change as improving their career prospects
Cooperatives - demonstrate good will and generally supportive
Ambivalent - see the good and bad in change initiatives
Sceptical - unsure how change will impact them
Resisters - oppose this particular change
Luddites - oppose all change on principle
Lewin 1958
Change process
Unfreezing of current situation
Moving to a new situation
Re-freezing of new situation
Fullan
Change process
Moral purpose, relationship building, coherence making, understanding of change process, knowledge creation & sharing
Force-field analysis
Driving forces v Restraining forces (or facilitators v inhibitors)
