ERIC Number: EJ1149804
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Sep
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1555-4589
EISSN: N/A
The Science of Improvement: Responding to Internal and External Challenges in a Complex School Environment
Donaldson, Morgaen L.; Weiner, Jennie
Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership, v20 n3 p65-75 Sep 2017
This case focuses on the complexity of change and improvement within schools with a particular emphasis on the role of the principal and a science teacher leader. Although current rhetoric suggests that school improvement should happen quickly and consistently, research indicates that it is difficult, context specific, and incremental. In fact, expecting quick change can backfire, leading to short-term technical fixes that inhibit exploration of underlying beliefs and assumptions that generate meaningful change that results in learning and continuous improvement. Focused on a principal and teacher leader in a school facing declining science scores and other challenges, this case asks aspiring and practicing administrators and teacher leaders to consider the assumptions driving individuals' behavior in their efforts to enhance practice and respond to external challenges in the long term.
Descriptors: Educational Environment, Educational Improvement, Science Teachers, Teacher Leadership, Principals, Administrator Role, Educational Administration, Administrator Education, Science Education, Governance, Case Method (Teaching Technique), Class Activities, Teaching Methods, Elementary Schools
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1119349