School Technology Policies

From time to time, I get asked for writing samples, and since I just finished a significant research paper on Systems Thinking, entitled “Principles of Organizational and Social Systems,” I thought I would share it here. This paper is one of six demonstrations prior to my dissertation, and are considered Knowledge Area Modules, or KAMs.Yes, I know it’s KAM 3, and my next KAM on Leadership is KAM 5. These research papers are not always completed in a sequential order.

The 130-page paper is posted on Google Docs for anyone to view (just click here).

Also, a quick thank-you is in order to my Walden University mentor, who was a great help throughout the KAM process.

Abstract: Breadth

This section examines the foundations of systems theory, and outlines the “lens” of K-12 education as the focus of this document. To establish the broader perspective around the field of systems theory, the Breadth section explores seminal works by leading practitioners, including Daneke, Capra, Baert, Axelrod and Cohen, and Gharajedaghi, each of whom has contributed significantly to the body of work around systems theory. Systems thinking was first developed using resource methods initially developed for ecology, because concrete indicators of success did not always provide accurate data around business health. Instead, the interactions among different systems were explored as a method for determining new ways for reaching business goals, creating social change, and connecting to the K-12 educational environment.

Abstract: Depth

Recent peer-reviewed journal articles on the use of systems thinking tools have been examined and summarized, and three themes emerged in the discussion of the articles: the flexibility required to change curriculum and “scaffold” systems thinking lessons into a learning organization, the involvement of the entire school community in social and cultural change, and the amount of time required to make meaningful changes in teaching and learning. While several of the articles applied directly to K-12 education, others were relevant as examples from parallel fields or as meaningful foundational articles for further discussion. The need for systems thinking at the organizational and instructional levels is also discussed in detail.

Abstract: Application

Informed by the research presented in the Depth and Breadth sections of this document, the Application component provides three potential uses of the systems thinking concepts in a K-12 environment: an assessment of the current condition of systems thinking in a K-12 school, a collaborative online workshop design for introducing systems theory to school staff members, and a job-aid to support administrative planning for implementing more systemic activities at a school. These are non-experimental activities that can be implemented in further research if desired in the pursuit of educational and social change. Following these applications, there is a discussion connecting the activities to relevant research and experiments from the Breadth and Depth sections.