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1. You're doing a very good job working with the concepts
from the two systems. Your writing is clear, logical, and engaging.
That's great. Be careful, though. Natural and Rational Systems
refers to perspectives, so organizations cannot become one or another.
As the organization evolves, it could be that one perspective becomes more
effective for analyzing the organization compared to another. Also,
remember to try to write your paper as much in the present tense as possible.
For example, in the second paragraph you could write, "In the rational
system, leadership emanates from above. The superintendent,
through his assistant superintendents, or area specialists, directs
principals."
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2. What is really interesting about your use of site-based
management as a vehicle for looking at the perspectives is how much we
have shifted back to the earlier model. Do you see this kind of discretion
or freedom at the site level now? I don't see too much of it, though
I think a great deal depends on the initiative the principal is willing
to take (there goes my Natural Systems perspective again). A note
on SBM: The best definition I have seen is power that devolves (moves)
from the central office to the site. Some of the things you list
might be included, but not necessarily all.
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3. All very true. I would say that a system of SBM that
also involves shared decision making requires a great deal more leadership
from teachers.
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4. SOL's are also an important stimulus from the environment
of the school/school division.
Great job with this assignment. You have demonstrated a solid understanding
of the two perspectives that make up the bulk of your paper and you have
used Open Systems concepts appropriately. You broad-brush description
of leadership changes over the past 30 years provides a good vehicle for
your contrasting of the two perspectives. Did you find anything in
common that would have added some comparison angles to your paper?
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