Knowledge and Innovation in Education Organizations

• In Event: 34.067 - Organizational Theory and Organizing in Schools

Abstract

The American education system is failing a large number of students, and despite countless reform efforts, we struggle to develop lasting change. Inherent in new policies is an emphasis on external expertise that does not always take into account the contextual circumstances of the organizations that they aim to improve. Thus, we need a new model of innovation, one that intentionally leverages the internal knowledge of those within the system, and uses it to develop initiatives that take into account the unique circumstances of local contexts. This paper pulls from organizational theory and business literature to demonstrate that in order to innovate in the education sector, we need better ways to incorporate the perspectives of those within schools and districts.

Authors

• Mahua Baral, University of California - Berkeley

• Rick Mintrop, University of California - Berkeley