The past few weeks' worth of readings bring me back to my previous career in higher education. Kouzes and Posner, Goleman, et al are all names of authors in the leadership arena in which I used to work. While it feels like a far away dream, many of the concepts still resonate. I can't help but wonder however, if these concepts apply to elementary education when they first took root in the business world. There does seem to be some conflict of interest, and diverse aims that may interfere with their applicability. The saying that "education ought to run as a business" is misguided. A business that fails simply ceases to exist. Its customers choose to patronize it, and its products and services are not considered a right. Schools, on the other hand, are mandated to serve their customers, who often cannot choose their school. A failing school must continue, as its customers (students) cannot simply take their business elsewhere. So do principles that work in business also work in education? The results are mixed, and remain to be seen.
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