ABSTRACT

Leading Holistically explores systems thinking in educational leadership—a comprehensive framework that enables leaders to improve their practice by taking a holistic perspective, instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all solution to discrete aspects of their organization. Aiming to expand the existing literature on systems thinking in educational leadership and policy, renowned educational leadership scholars come together in this valuable book to examine systems thinking at the school, district, and state/national levels, providing strategies to guide educators toward success. This important book unpacks the complexity and nuances of systems thinking in educational leadership and policy, helping educators face the growing complexity, change, and diversity in education to realize the promise of improvement for all those connected to and involved in the important endeavor of education.

part I|73 pages

Systems Thinking at the School Level

chapter 1|20 pages

System Self-Regulation and Static Equilibria

How Socio-Cognitive Control Processes Regulate School Responses to External Reform

chapter 3|15 pages

Schools as Soft Systems

Addressing the Complexity of Ill-Defined Problems

chapter 4|20 pages

Principals’ Systems Thinking

The Meaning and Measure of a Leadership Construct

part II|83 pages

Systems Thinking at the District/Regional Level

chapter 6|22 pages

Whole District Transformation

Leading Systems Change for Sustainability

chapter 7|18 pages

“Holistic Engagement”

Framing Theory, Strategic Communication, and the Superintendency

chapter 8|17 pages

System Leadership for Continuous Improvement

The Role of District-Level Leaders in Creating the Conditions for System-Wide Improvement

part III|77 pages

Systems Thinking at the State/National Level

chapter 9|17 pages

The Impact of the “Social” in Social Media Space

A Systems Perspective on Educational Policy and Leadership

chapter 10|18 pages

Using the Systems Thinking Approach in Educational Policy Setting

A Choice Among Compromises

chapter 11|21 pages

School Turnaround Reform

Optimizing Confluence of Influence and Dynamic Disequilibrium

chapter 12|19 pages

Improving Schools in Victoria, Australia

System, Region, and School Perspectives