Discursive Colonization of Public School Administration

• In Event: 64.088 - Sheraton Roundtable 12 - Osgoode Ballroom
  In Roundtable Session: 64.088-3 - Teacher Educational Leaders and Curriculum: Global Perspectives

Abstract

Public education is an essential social institution for democratic societies. However, recent neoliberal policies have emphasized a shift towards managerialization and managerial discourse, resulting in reforms around the globe to restructure education into a more managerialist enterprise. Neoliberal discourses construct reform agendas, limit the possibilities of actors' actions and behaviors, and dominate alternative discourses, yet we know little about how strategic management discourse as a key managerial apparatus is ushered into and naturalized in public school administration. We analyzed a discourse that promotes strategic management for K-12 public education to explore how it constructs, promotes, legitimizes, and naturalizes a redefinition of public school administration. We conclude by reflecting on our study's implications for public education administration.

Authors

• Sebnem Cilesiz, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Thomas Greckhamer, Louisiana State University