The Trajectory of Critical Research in the Field of Educational Change

• In Event: Critical Educational Change: Culturally Responsive Leadership and Research Trends in the Borderland Context and Beyond

Abstract

In this paper, the author unpacks some of the trends in critical research in the field of educational leadership and educational change. Inspired by classic extant change literature, experience as an Assistant Professor in the field of educational leadership and administration on the Mexico/United States borderland, and movements of the AERA educational change special interest group, the author will demonstrate that the field is becoming increasingly diverse and is directed by critical thinking and scholars and pracademics motivated to practice and theorize with cultural humility and culturally responsive and reflective theoretical frameworks and modes of inquiry.
Perspective(s) or theoretical framework:
Methods: This theoretical paper is supported by data collected through informal conversations with leading and emerging scholars in the field of educational change and a review of the literature and movements of the educational change special interest group. This research is a trend analysis, or mini meta analysis of the extant literature produced by the experts, scholars, and practitioners in the educational change SIG.
Data sources and evidence:
The data collected and analyzed for this paper were the following: the last 7 years of Lead the Change and Doctoral Corner issues of the educational change SIG, 30 handpicked or recommended “top hit” classics by authors in the SIG, presentations at the SIG business meetings over the past nine years (3 SIG Chairs). The findings of this trend analysis are supported by major articles and the work of SIG authors including Linda Darling-Hammond, Sonia Nieto, Ann Lieberman, Michael Fullan, Jan Robertson, Pat Thomson, Jonathan Jansen, Pak Tee Ng, Dennis Shirley, Andy Hargreaves, Jennie Weiner, and Amanda Datnow.
Substantiated conclusions:
Initial findings demonstrate that there is an uptick or trend towards a more equitable framework of educational change forming in the field of educational change. There is more diversity in authors and contexts presented during SIG meetings, in the Lead the Change and Doctoral Corner issues, and social media presentations.
Scholarly significance of the
study or work:
This work is significant as it is important and necessary for SIG leaders and scholars to consider the impact of their work and the trajectory of change not only for their schools, districts, and nations but for their own writing and research. Understanding the momentum and impact of national and world events such as the Black Lives Movement, detracking movement, and pivotal works such as those of Sonia Nieto (teaching other people’s children), Jonathan Jansen (aparteid movement and educational change in South Africa), and Andy Hargreaves (the emotions of teaching and sustaining what is working and reworking what is not) can help educators and scholars around the world with how to enact and sustain meaningful, impactful, and relevant educational change and reform.

Author

• Kristin L. Kew, New Mexico State University
  Presenting Author