Description
Book SynopsisToday, administrators must assume a different mindset if public schools are to remain viable and functional. Changing populations resulting in heterogeneous communities, diversity of community values, and finite resources meeting the infinite desires of a demanding constituency have created the necessity for political acumen on the part of local educational leaders. The primary reason for the upheaval occurring in schools today is not that the instructional element is being neglected, but that the building-level administrators have a woeful lack of proficiency in managing the politics that impact schools. This book gives administrators a better grasp of educational politics at the campus level as the school interacts with the community in which it is embedded. Through theory, application, and personal reflection, The Impact of Politics in Local Education will show administrators how to 'read' the political climate of a community, how to make meaning from the information, and how to proactively manage political issues so that a stable school environment can be maintained.
Trade ReviewQuite possibly, Jane Owen has crafted a first: a book that reads like a novel but contains powerful lessons for each and every school administrator. As each chapter leads to the next, the reader will find it impossible to put this book down, waiting to see what happens next to Maggie. The implications for a book study for practicing administrators, a book review by the superintendent, or a textbook for aspiring administrators are endless. The very best, however, may be the wonderful indulgence of curling up with a book that will evoke joy and sorrow as you travel with Maggie on her journey. -- Karen Simpson, former deputy superintendent of Keller ISD, Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas
Table of ContentsChapter 1 The Micropolitics of Education: Theory and Praxis Chapter 2 The Theoretical Construct: Political Indicators of School-Community Interactions Chapter 3 The Case Study-Winfield High School: The Beginning Chapter 4 The Principal's Reflection Chapter 5 Resources and Results Chapter 6 What Goes In and What Comes Out Chapter 7 The Principal's Reflection Chapter 8 The Perils of a Closed Decision-Making System Chapter 9 Storm Clouds Gather Over Winfield High School Chapter 10 The Principal's Reflection Chapter 11 The Four Facets of Politics Chapter 12 Turbulent Fields: Winfield High School Loses Stability Chapter 13 The Principal's Reflection Chapter 14 Conflict as a Strategic Maneuver Chapter 15 The Kraken Is Released Chapter 16 The Principal's Reflection Chapter 17 Dissatisfaction Theory Concluded Chapter 18 The Principal's Final Reflection: Lessons Learned Part 19 Epilogue: Maggie Alexander Today
