Reforming Education in Developing Countries
From Neoliberalism to Communitarianism
Routledge Research in International and Comparative Education Series

Underpinned in the stream of thought named ?communitarianism?, Reforming Education in Developing Countries argues that developing countries need educational reforms that are tightly entwined into their cultural, social, and organizational contexts. It questions the applicability of neoliberal reforms in developing societies, through an analysis of the main elements of neoliberalism in education. It highlights the critical role of the community and suggests new and alternative lines of thought for the practice of reform initiation and implementation in developing countries.

The book criticizes major neoliberal ideas in education, illuminates the distinctions between current neoliberal reforms and the characteristics of traditional societies, analyzes major educational ideologies in the developed world, and emphasizes the key role of local communities in this world. It proposes a dynamic model of reforming education in these countries that includes three major phases and integrates both modern and traditional (indigenous) educational purposes and values. Evocative ponderings are outlined throughout the book to promote critical thinking and reframing of educators' views towards educational reform and change.

This book will be of great interest to researchers and students in the fields of educational leadership, educational policy, educational change, comparative education, political science, and sociology. It will also appeal to educators, supervisors, and policymakers.

Chapter 1 Why we need an alternative view of reform in developing countries

Chapter 2 The characteristics of neoliberal reforms in educational systems worldwide

Chapter 3 Conceptual models of modernity versus traditionalism: The colorful portrait of the developing world

Chapter 4 The failure of educational reforms in developing countries

Chapter 5 The communitarian perspective and education

Chapter 6 Major educational ideologies in developing countries

Chapter 7 The key role of the local community in educational reform

Chapter 8 Reform implementation in practice

Chapter 9 Reform management in the school

Chapter10 Towards a new conceptualization of education reforms in developing countries

Epilogue

Reference

Izhar Oplatka is Professor of Educational Administration and Leadership at the School of Education, Tel Aviv University, Israel, and Head of the Department of Educational Policy and Administration.