Allyn & Bacon / Merrill

Education

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Ecology of Educational Systems, The: Data, Models, and Tools for Improvisational Leading and Learning
Bruce D. Baker, University of Kansas
Craig E. Richards, Columbia University

ISBN-10: 0130977713
ISBN-13: 9780130977717

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Copyright: 2004
Format: Paper; 304 pp
Published: 12/02/2003

Suggested retail price: $53.20
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For graduate-level courses in educational policy and leadership.

With the ready availability of educational data, the need for school administrators and other educators to understand and manage data has grown considerably. To meet that need, this text offers a novel theoretical approach to school leadership and decision-making—Ecological Thinking—and a set of practical tools for data analysis and model-based decision-making using spreadsheet software and system dynamics models. Included are numerous data sets and specific examples of the use of the popular software Microsoft® Excel; several system dynamics models created by the software ITHINK6.0; a wealth of hands-on exercises; and, an introduction to the development of dynamic simulations.

  • An accompanying “data and models” Web site—Containing data, models, and documentation for all chapter problem sets and section simulations.

    • Simplifies the use of the Web site for working all of the in-text problems—helps students become comfortable with data analysis easily and quickly.

  • The use of Microsoft® Excel—As the standard software for manipulating, analyzing, and reporting data.

    • Illustrates the applicability of this popular spreadsheet to statistical analysis—makes the case for simple, common sense tools over complex, harder-to-learn programs such as SPSS and SAS.

  • Use of real data—Including student performance data on thirteen countries from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

    • Ensures students receive a realistic “feel” for handling and manipulating data—guarantees a broad diversity of financial, demographic, and economic data.

  • Activities that lead to preparation of a Policy Options Brief —Involving complex simulations and multiple forms of data.

    • Encourages the use of teams to involve students in interactive small-group learning—helps counter the isolating effects of hands-on computer work and facilitates the teaching of teamwork skills.

  • Introduction of ITHINK6.0—As an alternative software package for statistical analysis.

    • Allows students to study organizational processes by constructing models of those processes and running simulations—broadens the scope of the text beyond spreadsheet analysis.

  • Downloadable examples of system dynamics models—Including those of thinking archetypes as well as specific schooling issues.

    • Introduces students to classic system dynamics analysis—gets them “learning by doing” without having to gather and format their own data.



Preface.


Introduction.

PART I: SETTING THE STAGE.

1. Toward an Ecology of Leadership.

2. Writing Policy Briefs.

PART II: USING DATA TO DESCRIBE THE SCHOOLING CONTEXT.

3. Organizing and Manipulating Data.

4. Developing Indicator Systems.

5. Applying Descriptive Statistics to the Schooling Context.

PART II Simulation.

PART II Summary.

PART III: SEARCHING FOR RELATIONSHIPS IN EDUCATION DATA.

6. Similarities and Differences among Groups.

7. Education Data and Statistical Relationships I.

8. Education Data and Statistical Relationships II.

Part III Simulation.

Part III Summary.

PART IV: MEASURING TIME AND CHANGE IN SCHOOLS.

9. Time, the Forgotten Dimension.

10. Studying Change with Data.

11. A Look into the Future.

Part IV Simulation.

Part IV Summary.

PART V: SYSTEM DYNAMICS OF SCHOOLING.

12. From Data-Driven Analysis to Model-Driven Analysis.

13. Systems Thinking Applied.

14. Dynamic Models of Schooling.

Part V Simulation.

Part V Summary.

PART VI: PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER.

15. A Guide to Structured Improvisation.

References.

Name Index.

Subject Index.

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Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students contact your Pearson Higher Education representative.


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