Liliana Esther Olmos and Carlos Alberto Torres. R, Cowen and A, M, Kazamias (eds), International Handbook o/Comparative Education, 73-86. Springer Science + Business Media B. V 2009

Focus on Latin America.

Intro: “Education has in modern times been situated within the nation-state. /…/ formalized education hecomes problematic as globalization processes place limits on state autonomy and national sovereignty, affecting education in various ways.”

Educational Expansion: “In the last 30 years educational cxpansioll has attracted considerabie attention from Weberian, Functionalist, and Marxist cholars alike.”

“We argue /…/ that, analytically, it is more fruitful to approach the study of educational development in /third world/ societies in relation to the global process of capital accumulation, to which they were subjected under the historically concrete conditions of capitalist expansion and/or colonization.”

Conclusion: “the relationships between education and social change continue to be revisited by those seeking educa­tional reform, but the challenges of poverty remain seemingly intractable (not easily managed) for public policies-especially education-and democracy.”

Michael Fullan.

1. A Brief History of Educational Change

Not much happened in 1950s. The key to success is in improvement of relationships. End of 50s-beginning of 60s saw first major curriculum reform. By 70s it was clear that there was little success. In 1980s more funds and resources were thrown into the reform fire. The main reason for constant failing is in weak infrastructure or the clash of different goals.

2. Sources of Educational Change

It’s not the lack of innovation but just too many disconnected, episodic, fragmented projects. Many bigger schools and areas may benefit but generally if the reform comes from top it doesn’t work. There are many innovative ideas around but the programs are disconnected and schools are often forced to participate. The sources of innovation are weak and often misunderstood.

3. The Meaning of Educational Change

All changes involve loss, anxiety and struggle. When a change succeeds it can result in a sense of mastery, accomplishment and professional growth. Fear of fail and hope to succeed have bigger subjective impact than many would think.