ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book considers specific school contexts of governance as well as school specific responses to governance. It provides a critical analysis of the consequences of the shifts in governance and of the effects of the intensified search for ‘efficiency dividends’ on schools and those within them. The book examines radical forms of governance, at local level, which have sought to create more equitable governance, ‘intelligent accountability’ and greater involvement of key stakeholders such as students. Radical governance can be understood as working against these processes of governance and, given the mechanisms of governance and reach, as always situated within these in one way or another. The book examines changes to everyday practices in schools resulting from new systems of governance. It focuses on the ‘responsibilisation’ of stakeholders, including teachers and parents, while at the same time introducing heightened accountability measures.
