A Perspective on the Foundations of Democratic Governance in American Public Schools

A Perspective on the Foundations of Democratic Governance in American Public Schools

Türkyılmaz, M. Uğur

In this paper I will try to lay out how I define and implement the most valued concept of our time at the school I have been working in for two years. I will analyze the questions below that I see critical in terms of “realizing” the democratic goals in a school environment. As the principal of a public school, what are difficulties that I face when I fight to incorporate the principles of democracy into governing bodies of our school? Where do I get the most challenge? What are the real benefits of having a school, which is “as democratic as possible”? Is there a dead end where you cannot further democratize the school? More tangibly, how do I democratically reestablish the relation between the school administration and students? How do I organize teacher and administration relations to make sure that their voices are heard and their votes are counted? What is the principal’s position within the community regarding getting all parties involved in the decision-making process?

Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed

2010-06

457