An "Uncommon" Theory of Educational Leadership: Preparing Leaders Who Can Facilitate Transformational Change in Schools

• In Event: 42.073 - Educational Leadership Preparation: Propositions for More Effective Training Programs

Abstract

This theory-building paper focuses not just on leading schools, but also on leading school transformation. The pervasive framing of school reform, the Common Theory, suggests a linear, multistep process: identifying a need, adopting a strategy, providing professional development, enacting new practices, and evaluating progress. While useful for incremental changes, this Common Theory rarely supports schoolwide transformation (McDonald, 2014). To create more equitable, just schools in the United States, then we need a deeper, transformational theory of school change. This paper posits a new UnCommon Theory of school change, built upon a braided framework of adult development, transformational learning, and social changes theories. We illustrate our theory with cases of ten leaders guiding school reinvention efforts across the United States.

Authors

• Jacy C. Ippolito, Salem State University

• Angela Breidenstein, Trinity University

• S. Frances Hensley, University of Georgia

• Kevin Fahey, Salem State University