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Democratic Leadership in Education
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Democratic Leadership in Education

First Edition


192 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
'The theory and practice of democracy and democratic leadership have implications for how we understand what ought to be counted as 'improving schools'

In this book Woods focuses on the idea of democratic leadership, examining what is meant by democratic leadership, what forms it can take, and how it is relevant to school education and learning. He shows how the ideals and theories of democratic leadership can translate into practice, and sets out some of the challenges that democratic leadership poses in the context of contemporary education .

Democratic Leadership in Education challenges conventional approaches to leadership and many of the assumptions inherent in educational policy. It is about understanding and exploring both the idea of democratic leadership and its practical relevance through examples drawn from practice and research.

An enlightening resource for practitioners and students on professional development and academic courses, this book will be essential reading for all policy makers, academics and others (such as inspectors) who critically examine leadership and management of educational institutions.

 
Meanings of Democratic Leadership
 
A Developmental Conception of Democratic Practice
 
Models of Leadership
 
Why Democratic Leadership?
 
An Open Approach to Knowledge
 
Links to Learning
 
Obstacles and Challenges
 
Free Space and Firm Framing
 
Capabilities and Skills for Democratic Leadership
 
Complexities and Demands of Practice
 
Dualities of Democratic Leadership

`I found this an interesting and stimulating book. The book’s ideas are a useful counterpoint to some of the daft notions of macho leadership and management being peddled in education and indeed the public sector more widely. Woods’ book has the merits that, though radical, it seeks to base its recommendations in the real world and to argue that there are possibilities for change that can bring about real improvements in everyone’s experience and outcomes. Matching the rhetoric of democracy with reality – or at least making them closer – might also improve the quality of our political process, and hence increase interest and reduce cynicism about politics, something which surely should be welcomed. Woods’ agenda is significant and his book certainly worth reading' - ESCalate

`Philip Woods productively refocuses our attention, not on heroes and visions but on how we understand and practise within educational institutions in ways that are social and relational. He provides a realistic and yet challenging analysis of democratic leadership in ways that speak to practitioners, policy makers and researchers. We deal everyday with issues of social justice, and Phil Woods shows us how we might think differently about it, and so work for a better system of learning and schooling' - Professor Helen Gunter, School of Education, University of Manchester.

'Every now and then a book is written in the field of leadership that stands out, says something different, is coherent, original and makes us really ponder and think. This is such a book - it will provoke policy-makers, academics, experienced practitioners and advanced students' - Camridge Journal & Education

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1 (pdf file 86kb)


Phil Woods

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