Towards a More Complex Understanding of Power to Better Grasp the Challenges of the Contemporary Superintendency

Towards a More Complex Understanding of Power to Better Grasp the Challenges of the Contemporary Superintendency

Link to Full Text

Download Full Text

Description

"This chapter suggests that the notion of power in educational research has been conceptually limited and laced with normative biases. In the case of the superintendent and school board relationship, this has resulted in a truncated understanding of the power relations that influence school district operations. In addition, a narrow view of power diminishes the capacity of leadership preparation programst to develop leaders who can navigate the contested terrain of district politics, particularly if the goal of such leaders is school reform. A reappraisal of the concept as it relates to educational research is necessary. Specifically, we suggest that a feminist poststructuralist (Brunner, 2002a; Grogan, 2000a) perspective on power offers a useful lens for examining the contemporary superintendency. This being said, our aim is not to supplant existing theoretical convention, but rather to argue for an expanded multi-paradigmatic perspective (Capper, 1993)."

Publication Date

2005

Publisher

Information Age

City

Greenwich, CT

Disciplines

Educational Administration and Supervision | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Educational Leadership

Comments

In George J. Petersen and Lance Darin Fusarelli (Eds.), The Politics of Leadership: Superintendents and School Boards in Changing Times. Dr. Grogan's chapter begins on page 51.

This text is only partially available through the link provided; some pages are not included. Please visit your local library or purchase the book through the "Buy This Book" link above to read the full text.

Copyright

Information Age

Towards a More Complex Understanding of Power to Better Grasp the Challenges of the Contemporary Superintendency

Share

COinS