The Fourth Way
The Inspiring Future for Educational Change
- Andy Hargreaves - Boston College, USA, Ontario Institute of Studies in Education, Canada
- Dennis Shirley - Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA, Boston College, USA
School Change & Reform
"Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley, always one or two steps ahead of the field, have done it again. An extremely balanced and insightful treatment of the first three ways of change, in which the authors clearly display the strengths and limitations of each model. And then they go to town in mapping out the fourth way—a concise and compelling framework for change that integrates teacher professionalism, community engagement, government policy, and accountability. The Fourth Way is itself a powerful 'catalyst for coherence' in a field that badly needs guidance. Read the book and rethink your approach to educational reform."
—Michael Fullan, Educational Consultant
Author, The Challenge of School Change
A compelling approach to lasting educational change informed by lessons learned and new successes worldwide!
In an expressive and absorbing style, this penetrating volume offers a plan for viable and sustainable educational reform that reflects research on traditional methods and new findings from successful school initiatives around the globe.
Beginning with an incisive analysis of the three major educational change efforts of the past 25 years, Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley offer a plan that integrates government policy, professional involvement, and public engagement to create an environment of greater inclusiveness, security, and humanity. Drawing on "Four Horizons of Hope"—examples of promising implementation and practice—the book demonstrates how districts and schools can achieve dramatic improvement built on:
- Six Pillars of Purpose that support change
- Three Principles of Professionalism that drive change
- Four Catalysts of Coherence that sustain change
Written for educators, consultants, and administrators at the school and district level, The Fourth Way represents an innovative vision of educational change for meeting the dramatic problems and dynamic challenges facing educators in the 21st century.
Read Andy Hargreaves' cover article, "Leadership Succession and Sustainable Improvement," in the December 2009 issue of The School Administrator magazine.
See the authors' op-ed piece in The Boston Globe. (September 7, 2009)
"In some places, Third Way politics have barely begun. In others, they have been pushed as far as they can go. It is high time for a new Fourth Way of social and educational reform. In this unique and excellent text, Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley set out this way for the very first time, and also provide crystal clear examples of what it looks like in practice."
"In The Fourth Way, Hargreaves and Shirley draw on their firsthand studies of the highest-performing systems in the U.S. and across the world to demonstrate that our best hope for education in a time of turmoil rests in change strategies that are, at once, both professional and democratic. Inspiring in vision, accessible in style, and solid in its evidence base, this book will be an engine for change in the years to come."
"Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley, always one or two steps ahead of the field, have done it again. An extremely balanced and insightful treatment of the first three ways of change, in which the authors clearly display the strengths and limitations of each model. And then they go to town in mapping out the Fourth Way—a concise and compelling framework for change that integrates teacher professionalism, community engagement, government policy, and accountability. The Fourth Way is itself a powerful 'catalyst for coherence' in a field that badly needs guidance. Read the book and rethink your approach to educational reform."
"The Fourth Way might just offer the best ideas yet for broad-scale educational improvement. Hargreaves and Shirley refreshingly depart from old school arguments. Instead, with the aid of concrete examples, they identify and embrace the successful elements of past education reform efforts while illustrating the flaws in unhelpful efforts. Their careful analysis and insights on lessons learned will be invaluable to anyone serious about making positive, sustainable changes that deliver a great public school to every student."
"Perplexed and demoralized by policies that diminish and routinize their work, many educators fear that public schooling has reached a dead end. In this informed and inspiring book, Hargreaves and Shirley point to a new and promising path for progress. The Fourth Way is not only open to educators, but must be forged by them with shared purpose, foresight, and common sense."
"The new era—the Fourth Way—holds more than just promise. Elements of this approach are underway in different parts of the world at this very moment, and the authors shine light on each as they encourage the reader to tap into the very best practices to ensure that the next wave truly leaves no child, family, or community behind!"
"The authors propose a new vision for transforming public education for the 21st century. They argue that school systems must move away from a culture of high-stakes testing, encourage innovation and creativity, and engage parents and communities in educational change. Their ideas are timely and relevant for educational leaders today."
"In this timely and inspirational book, Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley challenge our current thinking about educational change. Their argument for interdependence, empowerment, collective courage, and professionalism will resonate with all who have wrestled with these issues. It will leave a lasting impression. Read it!"
"This is a great book! Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley have an incredible ability to describe important issues in incisive and compelling ways."
"Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley provide inspirational and challenging formations for next schools and their leaders in The Fourth Way. The celebration of personal capacity and the promotion of educational change through deepened and demanding learning, professional quality, and engagement provides hope and catalyzes our best values to regenerate and improve society. An outstanding vision for our future."
