Lead the Change Series, Essay Example

At the local level, building better research knowledge and theories through a scrutiny of the actual practices locally and at systems levels can effectively move education research into action. Studying the changes processes and gaining better insights into research impacts are equally essential (Fullan, 2012).

From a study in England, several findings were made. First, obsession with targets and use of punitive accountability are not productive. Second, there should be greater investment in building of collective capacity. These two propositions were successfully used in Ontario to reform Canada’s education system. The system in Ontario worked because of the use of few ambitious goals. Additional reasons include positive attitude, capacity building, reliance on evidence from research reports, non-punitive approach to accountability, transparency of data on practices and outcomes, and learning from the success of other countries (Fullan, 2012).

School principals can be trained to be change agents through ‘learning is the work practices.” In using this method, principals are made to influence student learning by creating goals, strategic use of resources, ensuring quality teaching, safe environment, and leading teacher learning. The second method is “personnel practices.”  Through this method, policies are enforced to direct the principals on what to do (Fullan, 2012).

The role of the principals can be reinforced using participatory leadership. Their instructional role can be enhanced through mentoring, corrective action, and feedback.

Factors that promote, “pressure that motivates, as well as bring about “internal accountability,” should also be used, such as positive stance, peer interaction, and transparency results (Fullan, 2012).

Currently, the most pressing issue related to educational change includes problem and solution. Concerning “problem,” the United States education system faces the challenge of the large gap between high and low performers in student achievement. Concerning “solution,” wrong drivers are often used to address problems. A workable solution should instead be the transformation of the teaching profession (Fullan, 2012).

 References

Fullan, M. (2012). Lead The Change Series. AERA Educational Change Special Interest Group, 16, 1-6