Understanding Decision-Making in Educational Contexts: A Case Study Approach

Description

Understanding Decision-Making in Educational Contexts presents 'problem cases' confronting school leaders in real settings, and illustrates the multiple approaches that school leaders draw upon to navigate complex and challenging decision-making contexts. Although school leaders draw upon knowledge and instruments that are available to them, the approach used for this volume is decidedly Popperian in nature. In this collection, each chapter presents a case study problem, a discussion of the salient concepts and principles of the case, an exploration of problem formulation, and concludes with a decision analysis using a Popperian approach to problem solving. Each chapter concludes with lessons learned and the expected decision-making skills acquired from the critical analysis of each educational challenge using the Objective Knowledge Growth Framework, a Popperian decision-making approach. This book is essential reading for anyone who aspires to take on a leadership role in a school setting, or is curious to develop their understanding of leadership problems. Cover Understanding Decision-Making in Educational Contexts Series Page Understanding Decision-Making in Educational Contexts: A Case Study Approach Copyright Dedication Contents About the Author Acknowledgement Part I 1. Introduction References 2. Overcoming Irrationality: The Popperian Approach Introduction How a Fire Led to a Study of Irrationality Conjecture and Refutation The Placebo Effect The Tragedy of the Commons Erosion of Trust: Popper's Approach Applying Popper's Approach Conclusion Acknowledgements References 3. Educational Leadership in Performative Times: High-Stakes Testing in England Literature Review Special Education Needs Support Behavioural and Socioeconomic Obstacles Leadership Methods and Data Participants Findings Collaboration versus Competition Governmental Targets and Funding Data Used by Leaders Are Reflective of Standardization Discussion and Conclusion References 4. Opportunities and Challenges in Leadership School Context Confirmation Bias and Spotlight Shifting Popper's Influence in Educational Studies The Objective Knowledge Framework: A Decision-Making Framework Applying OKGF to Optimize Outcomes Networking and Finding Someone Who Has Solved the Problem The Courage to Learn References 5. Great Expectations: The Achievement Gap in English Schools School Funding and Curriculum Decisions Ofsted: Roles and Responsibilities The Education Inspection Framework Policy Conceptualization Methodology and Data Collection Participants Findings and Discussion Achievement Gap Low Aspirations and Parental Support Differentiated and Targeted Solutions Conclusion References Part II 6. Inside an Ivy League High School: The Problem with Promise, Passion and Pain The Situation The Impact Mr Black's Professional Background Mr Black's Response to Allegations Verbal or Emotional Abuse Authoritarian Approaches to Teaching Summary References 7. Licence Revocation of Teachers The School Principal Winter The Complainant's Letter Background: Mr Black Plan of Action Principal Winter's Gut Reaction Providing a Safe Learning Environment Confirmation Bias and Shifting Spotlight The Objective Knowledge Growth Framework for Maximizing Outcomes Exploring and Generating Tentative Solutions Applying the OKGF Process Case Analysis Questions Appendix 2 References 8. Attendance Policy in Action Wexler Collegiate A School Non-attender Analysis: Policy and Action Applying Counter-induction in Attendance Mental Models or Frames Bolman and Deal's Four-Frame Model Conclusion References 9. A Tale of Two Learning Theories School Background The Principal: Mr Brown The Teacher: Mrs Kotnam Julian's Progress Report Teacher Comments Background and Contextual Information Clinical Impression Physical Competencies Cognitive Competencies Attention and Arousal Analysis of Academic Functioning Summary and Formulation Recommendations of the Psychological Assessment Report Popper's Theory of Learning Popper's Trial and Error Elimination Discussion References 10. Rights and Freedoms The Context The Incident Laying a Foundation for Change The Town Hall Meeting School Accommodation for Daily Prayer The OKGF: A Decision-Making Framework Using the OKGF to Maximize Outcomes Conclusion Appendix Religious Accommodation for Islam Daily Prayer Friday Congregational Prayer Observations of Islamic Holy Days Islamic Holy Days References 11. The Nature of Decision-making in School Leadership: An Epilogue References Index