Introduction
Lesson Overview
In the last lesson, we explored school systems as complex and formal organizations, identified critical components and the nested nature of classrooms, schools/districts, and communities. The case can be made that past reform efforts have been unsuccessful and that a significant transformation in our system of basic public education is required. Parents, professional educators, legislators, and society all agree that student achievement must improve if students are to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The debate at local, state, national, and international levels consists of how the system of public education should change to bring about enhanced learning for students in pursuit of adopted achievement standards and identified achievement gaps. Therein lies the question.
This lesson focuses on the essential question: "Are schools learning organizations?" We will examine in depth the difference between the traditional bureaucratic structure of schools and school systems and the emergence during the past two decades of the concept of a "learning organization." To answer the question, we will discuss the rules, roles, relationships, and structures that define a bureaucratic system in operation and how those are carried out in school districts. We will also delve into the characteristics of a learning organization and understand how these differ from the bureaucratic approach. In addition, we will compare how the six social systems identified in the last lesson function within a bureaucratic versus. a learning organization. Finally, as in every lesson, you will be asked to apply your comprehension to your own professional experiences.
Lesson Objectives
After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
- Describe the characteristics of a bureaucratic system
- Understand the Industrial Age assumptions about learning and school
- Describe the characteristics of a learning organization
- Understand the different roles of power, authority, and influence in the two approaches
- Relate the characteristics of a bureaucratic system to your own experiences
- Apply the principles of a learning organization to your own experiences