A Systems Thinking Approach to the 2018 Oklahoma Teacher Walkout

• In Event: 31.084 - Innovative Approaches to Systems Thinking: Negotiating Power and Reform

Abstract

In this qualitative study, the 2018 Oklahoma Teacher Walk-out is explored through a systems thinking approach. This study draws from media articles and images, historical documents, and publicly available communications to better understand the factors that led to the walk-out, stakeholder motivations, influence of the larger environment, feedback loops, and outcomes. Findings suggest “wicked problems” as key factors to the start of the walk out and facilitative factors of political environment, grassroots groups, and media/social media communications. Implications for the future of education change are suggested.

Author

• Jackie Mania-Singer, University of Oklahoma