The Politics of Education Policy in an Era of Inequality
Possibilities for Democratic Schooling
Educational Leadership for Equity and Diversity Series

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. 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.

Contents

List of Figures, Tables, and Boxes

Series Editor Introduction

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1 The Politics of Education Policy in an Era of Inequality

Chapter 2 Critical Policy Analysis: Interrogating Process, Politics, and Power

Chapter 3 Public Schools or Private Goods? The Politics of Choice, Markets, and Competition

Chapter 4 National or Special Interests? Federal and State Education Policy and Reform

Chapter 5 School District Governance and Education Leadership: A Shifting Landscape

Chapter 6 Philanthropy, Donors, and Private Influence over Public Education

Chapter 7 The New Professional: Teaching and Leading Under New Public Management

Chapter 8 In Pursuit of Democratic Education

Chapter 9 Building Power: Community Organizing, Student Empowerment, and Public Accountability

Chapter 10 Reclaiming Democracy and the Transformative Power of Education: Possibilities for Democratic Schooling

References

Index

Sonya Douglass Horsford is Associate Professor of Education Leadership at Columbia University, USA.

Janelle T. Scott is Associate Professor of Education Policy, Politics, and Leadership at the University of California, Berkeley, USA.

Gary L. Anderson is Professor of Educational Leadership at New York University, USA.