Paul L. Kimmelman and David J. Kroeze
2002
In this interesting but dense book, Paul Kimmelman and David Kroeze argue that, to create "world-class schools," educators and policy makers must rethink how education systems are organized. They construct their argument around the human genome model, contending that an education system, like a genome, is far more than the sum of its constituent parts. The authors write, "Schools and school districts are living, dynamic organizations." Thus, changing one part of the system will have an impact on other parts. Kimmelman and Kroeze call for replacing piecemeal education reform with a more holistic view. The model they develop consists of six organizational chromosomes, grouped under two headings. Under the heading "capacity-building chromosomes" reside leadership, change and professional development. Under the heading "teaching-learning process chromosomes" are curriculum, instructional practice and assessment. The book explores all six components in detail and shows what effective practice in each looks like. For example, within the section on the curriculum is a thorough discussion of a standards-based approach to school improvement. These six organizational chromosomes are held together by four central organizing principles - continuous improvement, rigorous research, a commitment to continuous professional development, and a self-evaluation component. This is a complex argument but exciting because it ultimately seeks to help "education become a more mature profession such as medicine, law and business." The book also contains informative essays written by American and international commentators. For more information, go to http://www.christopher-gordon.com/Authors/kimmelman.htm.
