Principals Australia : Conference 2000 week 4 chris thatcher

Week 4 - Local School Management

Schools Will Not Exist as We Now Know Them

Listing of Papers

MR CHRIS THATCHER
United Kingdom

IT IS MY VIEW that schools will not exist in the later 21st century as we know them now. The core function of the early education process (which may well take place in a school environment) will be to develop literacy and numeracy, along with relevant and appropriate social skills. The success of this will determine the starting point for Stage 2, which will consist of the development of key learning and study skills.

Independent learners (Stage 3) will be able, capable and encouraged to work in a variety of environments, receiving master classes via the web and interactive tutorials and support in the same way. Assessment will be based upon these programmes, and learners will proceed at their own pace. Much of their work will take place at home or in some sort of drop-in learning centre. The need to socialise (which many hold up as one of the reasons for the continuing existence of schools), will readily be provided by other means. It already happens now, and will extend with the greater flexibility to learn 24-hours a day, all year round.

Two Separate Functions for Teachers

The role of the teacher will significantly change to undertake two separate functions. The 'master teacher' will develop and present appropriate programmes of study by electronic means. The 'support teacher' will be monitoring, encouraging, rewarding work but will be not so much a teacher but a guide and mentor. It may even be that a third role emerges - albeit in the school dealing with very young children. This person would assume the more functional role of assisting a support teacher in whatever way was necessary - leaving them to carry out their duties without being diverted.

Where is Leadership in This Scenario?

Where is leadership in this? I fear that the role of the principal will die - it is merely a function of the 19th and 20th century need to organise education in a way to deliver knowledge from one to many, as efficiently as possible, given the constraints of the time. In other words, principals are an institutional phenomenon. Leadership will be much more loosely determined and will not be vested in one person as it is now.

Learning without schools? Given what we know now, probably not. But one thing the last few years have shown us, is that whatever we think is not possible, probably is. What does that mean for education? I'd be interested in hearing the views of others.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr Chris Thatcher is President of the National Association of Headteachers (United Kingdom).

Chris Thatcher can be contacted by email at:
christ@naht.org.uk

Week 1: 15-21 May 2000
Major internet tutorials

Week 2: 22-28 May 2000 - Theme: Healthy School Communities
Conference papers
Internet tutorial

Week 3: 29 May-4 June 2000 - Theme: Outcomes and Standards
Conference papers
Internet tutorial

Week 4: 5-11 June 2000 - Theme: Local School Management
Conference papers
Internet tutorial

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Principals Australia Inc. (formerly APAPDC) was formed in 1993 by the four peak bodies representing principals in Australian schools.