School Organization Concepts and Roles

Concept of School Organization

Perspectives on Organization

a) An effective component of the teaching-learning process, constituting a systemic-ecological framework in which systematic processes are developed. It conveys implicit and explicit teaching content and requires knowledge and attitude change in a participatory, reflective, open, and versatile way to serve society.

b) Science of Education that studies and participates seamlessly in all aspects of educational centers, considering their multiple dimensions: educational ventures, control mechanisms and social power, structural dimension, hidden aspects, capacity for intervention, and need for improvement.

c) Ruíz Hernández (1954): Arrangement of elements necessary to educate children through instruction.

School as an Educational Organization

Key Characteristics

• Formed by individuals
• Oriented towards aims and objectives
• Has different functions assigned by society
• Intentional and rational-hierarchical coordination
• Stays over time
• Undefined goals
• Goals hard to categorize
• Ambiguity of the technologies used
• Lack of technical training
• Weakness of the system against opposing proposals
• Vulnerability to impulses of the contextual reality

Features and Functions

• Custody
• Instructional and educational
• Socializing and accreditation of learning
• Developing self-directed learning
• Community collaboration
• Adds value in many forms

Institutional Character of Schools

Hegemonic Aspects

• Born to teach, not solely to educate
• Originates with religious institutions
• Artificial character
• Membership in a larger system
• Often managed by a technically-oriented faculty
• A collective phenomenon in mainstream society
• Survival through numerous routines
• Curriculum management

Core Functions

• Custody functions
• Instructional functions and socialization of competence
• Inclusive and humanizing functions
• Preparation for work

Key Educational Definitions

Curriculum

A set of objectives, competencies, content, teaching methods, and evaluation criteria for the lessons covered by relevant law.

School Leadership

Director

The governing body representing educational administration at the center. Should be the natural leader for quality education. Appointed by the educational administration every 3 years.

Director of Studies and Secretary

Members of the team proposed by the Director and appointed by the school administration. Cessation occurs upon:

• Cessation of Director
• Physical or mental disability
• A proposal by the Director
• Resignation accepted by the Director

School Improvement Plans

An instrument for improving management and learning. A means of improving the quality of schools. A commitment between the center and the administration.

LOE