2nd Edition
The Politics of Education Policy in an Era of Inequality Possibilities for Democratic Schooling
In a context of increased politicization led by state and federal policymakers, corporate reformers, and for-profit educational organizations, The Politics of Education Policy in an Era of Inequality explores a new vision for leading schools grounded in culturally relevant advocacy and social justice theories.
This timely volume tackles the origins and implications of growing accountability for educational leaders and reconsiders the role that educational leaders should and can play in education policy and political processes. This book provides a critical perspective and analysis of today’s education policy landscape and leadership practice; explores the challenges and opportunities associated with teaching in and leading schools; and examines the structural, political, and cultural interactions among school principals, district leaders, and state and federal policy actors. This fully revised second edition includes questions for discussion at the end of each chapter, as well as expanded discussion on Critical Race Theory, the effects on educational systems following the global pandemic, the holistic needs of children including physical, mental, economic, nutritional, and emotional, the impact of technology and AI, as well as teacher strikes and the politics of school boards.
An important resource for practicing and aspiring leaders, The Politics of Education Policy in an Era of Inequality shares a theoretical framework and strategies for building bridges between education researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
List of Figures, Tables, and Boxes
Series Editor Introduction
Preface
Overview of the Book
1. The Politics of Education in an Era of Inequality
2. Critical Policy Analysis/Praxis: Interrogating Process, Politics, and Power
3. Public Schools or Private Goods? The Politics of Choice, Markets, and Competition
4. Federal and State Education Policy and Reform: National, State or Special Interests
5. School District Governance and Education Leadership: A Shifting Landscape
6. Philanthropy, Donors, and Private Influence over Public Education: The Case of Charter Schools
7. The Future of Teaching and Leading: Metrics, Managerialism and Artificial Intelligence
8. In Pursuit of Demographic Education: Putting the Public Back in Public Schools
9. Building Power: Community Organizing, Student Empowerment, and Public Accountability
10. Reclaiming the Power of Education: Possibilities for Democratic Schooling
Biography
Sonya Douglass is Professor of Education Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA.
Janelle T. Scott is Professor and Robert C. and Mary Catherine Birgeneau Distinguished Chair in Educational Disparities, at the University of California, USA. She is also Associate Dean for Students in the College of Letters and Science.
Gary L. Anderson is Emeritus Professor of Educational Leadership at New York University, USA.
‘The Politics of Education Policy in an Era of Inequality provides readers an indispensable and easily accessible view of education leadership and policymaking in today’s world. This comprehensive education policy primer leaves no stone unturned.’
Chezare Warren, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, USA.
‘This is a timely text that is much needed during this era of anti-equity politics of education fueled by an orchestrated conservative backlash. Douglass, Scott and Anderson make a convincing case for a more comprehensive critical policy analysis that takes back equity for true social justice along race, gender, LGBTQI identity issues and social class material conditions’
Laurence Parker, University of Utah, USA.
