Complexity Theory, Educational Leadership, and Policy: Principles and Applications

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium is concerned with the application of complexity theory to educational leadership. Currently, complexity theory is used informally in that field, leaving its implications for research and practice unclear. We clarify the terminology and illustrate its relevance to specific leadership challenges, including concrete examples of systemic complexity and empirical data to support its major constructs. Five presentations illustrate how complexity theory can identify opportunities for systems emergence, helping practitioners capitalize on them to generate transformative processes and equitable outcomes. Thus, complexity theory is uniquely capable of addressing some of the more intractable problems of the field, including the opportunity gap, systemic intransigence, and effective professional development for teachers (Davis & Sumara, 2006; Sands, et al., 2022).

Sub Unit

• SIG-Complexity Theories in Education

Chairs

• Matthijs Koopmans, Mercy College

• Patrick J. McQuillan, Metropolitan Police Training Academy

Papers

• Educational Leadership at the Edge of Chaos - Matthijs Koopmans, Mercy College

• Complex Emergence as Ongoing, Intentional, and Multidimensional: A Framework for Equitable Change - Patrick J. McQuillan, Metropolitan Police Training Academy; Ksenia Filatov, Boston College; Kierstin M. Giunco, Boston College

• Leading From the Classroom: Teacher Leadership in New York City Schools - Sara Sands, University of Houston

• The Potential of Educator Supervision and Evaluation to Transform Schools Into Complex Adaptive Systems - Christopher E. Trombly, Southern Connecticut State University

• Complex Adaptive Leadership: An Evidence-Based Model Extending Uhl-Bien and Arena - Richard Douglas Fossey, University of Calgary; Eugene G. Kowch, University of Calgary