Educational system governance: innovative approaches research

Abstract

The governance of complex education systems, characterized by numerous
nodes in a multilevel structure, has become a political priority in many European
and non-European countries; these nations are increasingly looking
for models and examples of governance, purposely designed for education
and training systems, in order to adapt them to their needs. This paper,
building on the concepts of network system and complexity, summarizes
the results of an exploratory analysis of research projects carried out by research
institutions on topics like the governance foundations and the modern
leadership of schools, and disseminated through official publications
and reports. In this perspective, the aim is to provide a basis to define the
key issues of managing and complex education and training systems. Surprisingly,
among the key topics trust has been identified as one of them
most relevant, because it represents the expectation of all school stakeholders
towards the adoption and use of positive and effective behaviours.
Particular attention has been dedicated to the analysis of studies and research
carried out in OECD countries in the past five years.