Keeping the Promise (Counterpoints: Studies in the Postmodern Theory of Education) [Paperback]

C. P. Gause (Author), Dennis Carlson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0820481998 | ISBN-13: 978-0820481999 | Publication Date: April 3, 2007

This volume raises critical questions about the qualities of democratic educational leadership during a time when the promise of democratic education and public life risks being abandoned, forgotten, and emptied of meaning. A diverse chorus of scholars in education take on this issue by analyzing the cultural con-text of educational leadership in the age of No Child Left Behind, by offering democratic counter-narratives of educational leadership, and by deconstructing popular culture representations of educational leaders. In doing so, they re-situate leadership within a political context and link it to struggles over social jus-tice and human freedom. The contributing scholars also radically re-think educa-tional leadership in ways that include teachers, university-based educators, and scholars as leaders.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"...This book addresses the crisis of democratic public education and public life in America. The authors focus on how dominant leadership models have failed schools and universities, and discuss the kind of democratic leadership needed in unsettling times in America [in order to] reclaim the notion of "the promise." In this case, the promise has to do with public education that levels the playing field rather than reproduces inequalities, that recognizes difference without "othering" it, and that establishes the condition for a democratic habitus. This book...provides a set of recommendations and analyses that [are essential] for those interested in progressive educational change, and in nurturing responsible, honest, and enlightened educational leadership in our schools and universities." Carlos Alberto Torres, Professor, Social Sciences and Comparative Education; Director, Paulo Freire Institute, University of California-Los Angeles

"It is not often recognized that school leadership was a central, explicit concern in the first graduate program in social foundations of education at Columbia Teachers College in the early 1940s. This book, more than any other I can think of, brings together social critique, democratic theory, and school leadership prac-tice in ways that extend that original agenda. Each well-chosen chapter makes a valuable contribution to addressing the central questions posed by the editors: 'In an age when the democratic promise of public education is "at risk," what is the responsibility of educational leaders? To whom and for what are they re-sponsible?' Every school leadership program in the nation should be addressing these tensions, and this volume is unique in its ability to help them do so." Steve Tozer, Professor and Coordinator, Ed.D. Program in Urban Educational Leadership, University of Illinois-Chicago

"...Up to this point, if I wanted my graduate students in educational leadership to learn about different conceptual and epistemological perspectives on educa-tion, I sent them to professors in curriculum and instruction. Now we have this outstanding collection of chapters, authored by scholars who cut across discipli-nary boundaries, to help us rethink educational leadership in an age of account-ability. Because notions of leadership should be of concern to all educators, regardless of position, this book should be required reading not only in every educational leadership program in the country, but in every education depart-ment. It moves beyond simplistic critiques of accountability and leadership, and deftly reveals the complexities of leadership in ways that will enrich students' conceptual thinking and push the bounds of their own research and practice." Colleen Capper, Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin-Madison

About the Author

Dennis Carlson is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and affiliated with the Center for Education and Cultural Studies at Miami University. He received his Ph.D. in educational policy studies from the University of Wis-consin-Madison and is the author of several books, including (most recently) Leaving Safe Harbors: Toward a New Progressivism in American Education and Public Life (2002). He is currently President of the American Educational Studies Association.

C. P. Gause, a former elementary teacher and K-12 school administrator, is currently Assistant Professor of Educational Administration in the Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. He received his Ph.D. in educational leadership from Miami University. He recently was guest editor of a special issue of the Journal of School Leadership on "Edu-tainment," and has published articles on youth, identity, and popular culture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing (April 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0820481998
• ISBN-13: 978-0820481999
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,651,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

C. P. GAUSE, PHD BIO

Dr. C. P. Gause is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is also Co-chair of the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. A former public school teacher, principal, and K-12 school administrator Gause received his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Miami University. He is co-editor of Keeping the Promise: Essays on Leadership, Democracy and Education (Peter Lang, 2007), a recipient of the 2007 American Educational Studies Association Critics Choice Award.

He is author of Integration Matters: Navigating, Identity, Culture and Resistance (Peter Lang, 2008), a recipient of the 2009 American Educational Studies Association Critics Choice Award. This groundbreaking volume constructs a blueprint for realizing academic achievement and academic success for all students, particularly those who are members of under-represented populations.

His most recent work, 201+ Strategies for Transforming Today's Schools: A Resource Guide for Educational Leaders, School Administrators, Teachers, Parents and Students, has just been released by Booklocker.com, Inc. and it is a hit. This very accessible and motivational work is definitely a hit with everyone. This work is a collection of strategies and techniques in creating engaging, inviting and affirming learning communities for the 21st century. Strategies of successful educational leaders and instructional "best practices" for teachers across all disciplines are provided.

His research interests include educational leadership, gender studies, black masculinity, cultural studies, critical race theory, critical spirituality, and collaborative activism.

Contact Information:

C. P. Gause, PhD
Associate Professor
239C Curry Building-School of Education
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC 27405
Website: www.drcpgause.com
Email: [e-mail]
Tele: 336.509.6171