Dance of Managerialism and Professionalism

This book explores the dynamic interplay between two fundamental but often conflicting forces within the educational landscape: managerialism and professionalism.Educational reform has long been shaped by a cyclical pattern of tightening and loosening control - an oscillation between the managerial impulse to standardize and the professional need for autonomy. The book examines how this dynamic unfolds in different educational contexts, with a particular focus on the United States and China. Tracing the evolution of reform efforts, examining the tension between managerialism and professionalism, and rethinking the use of data in decision-making, it argues for a shift from top-down control to "e;data-informed sensemaking,"e; ultimately advocating for educational systems in which professionalism "e;leads the dance"e; and ensures that they truly serve students, teachers, and communities.The book will appeal to scholars, students, and practitioners in the fields of educational management, leadership, administration, and policy.