Day: August 5, 2019

School changes

dikozlowLeave a comment

In reading the personal experiences of fellow teachers related to change it is common to see that consultation and time to process it is what is often lacking.  There is often not enough time given to absorb the reasons for the change leading to resentment and frustration. Gillian Cornwell and Carolien Powell both mentioned that new leaders often bring in new ideas without consultation of existing staff. Involvement in the change and feeling part of the process of change has always made me feel more comfortable with it.

Clement (2014, p. 45) highlighted problems that can occur with change when adequate time is not given to make meaning of the change.

Reference
Clement, J. (2014) Managing mandated educational change. School Leadership & Management, 34(1), 39-51. doi:10.1080/13632434.2013.813460

Case study learning

dikozlowLeave a comment

It was clear to me from the Case study 2 that organisations usually have a number of issues happening at once. Schools are like other organisations in that they are busy, complex institutions that must manage so many things all at once. What I learned from the case study this week was that all schools have problems that need to be rectified, but some schools have a multitude of issues or inefficiencies that need addressing. Schools are made more complex by the fact that they have so many people with so many varying needs and it isn’t easy to manage these needs. This case study highlighted to me the importance of good leadership that addresses issues and is willing to put into place change to ensure things work more efficiently. What this case study highlighted to me was the importance of clear communication, staff involvement and clear systems that are structured and reviewed regularly. It also made me realise that sometimes initiating change in one area can actually have a beneficial flow on effect throughout other areas.