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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A paper which looks critically at Barth's Improving Schools from Within, with particular reference to the role of the principal, staff development and the function of the school in the community. Bibliography lists 1 source
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: JL5_JLbarthi.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
(1990) is that "Changes in schools may be initiated from without, but the most important and lasting change will come from within." (Barth, 1990, 159). In other words,
even though external social structures and influences may be the starting-point for changes in methodology, such changes will not be effective or consistent if they are not accepted and built
on by staff and principals. Barth acknowledges that school principals are
under immense pressure, given increasing demands on time and resources coupled with reduced resources and high expectations from both staff and parents. They also suffer from isolation, due to a
lack of support from superiors, and legislative and contractual requirements mean they have less and less flexibility in the way that they can manage school organisation. Barth considers that the
way to address the issue is for principals to recognise that they do not need to "shoulder the burden" single-handed, and in fact to do so would be counter-productive.
He points out, for example, that they are often afraid of
being perceived as lacking in competence if they admit to a lack of knowledge regarding new skills and practices, but are then subjected to further stress when they have to
integrate such practices into the organisational structure without fully comprehending them themselves. Barth asserts that in fact, principals will not only benefit from being learners, but will also present a
positive role model to other staff by doing so. Their own professional growth, in other words, acts as a stimulus for teachers to do likewise and ensures that the schools
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