Parental Involvement and the Political Principle Why the Existing Governance Structure of Schools Should Be Abolished

In a follow-up to his acclaimed The Predictable Failure of Educational Reform, Seymour Sarason focuses his attention on governance structures and the allocation of power in school systems. He speaks out against unilateral, authoritative decision making and argues for radical changes--including abolishing boards of education--that would give a greater voice in educational policymaking to parents, teachers, and the community-at-large.For schools to change not only must a new school governance replace the old--but it must also confront and answer the questions: Governance for what educational purpose? What should be the single, overarching purpose that, if not attained, makes other purposes unattainable?Beginning with the concept that everyone should have a voice in decisions that affect them, Sarason explains the importance of the political principle that is a process rather than an And result. The most important ingredients, according to Sarason, are trust and respect among all the parties involved. Conflict is unavoidable, but what are the alternatives? Sarason does not sidestep thorny issues of professionalism, role definition, and responsibility. He is critical, but not polemical, constructive, not nihilistic, and he is, above all, candid. In order to truly change our educational system, everyone involved, including parents, must be heard. This is Sarason at his best. His recommAndations for a new governance structure at the local and the state levels are provocative and controversial.Sarason, Seymour B. is the author of 'Parental Involvement and the Political Principle Why the Existing Governance Structure of Schools Should Be Abolished', published 1995 under ISBN 9780787900540 and ISBN 0787900540.