Providing systemic change for schools: Towards professional development through moral conversation

Abstract

This paper briefly reviews the criticisms of current reform efforts; definitions of educational culture, moral purpose, and change processes; and forms of conversation. Such a discourse naturally concludes by developing the premise that disciplined conversation, especially of a moral nature, is the critical variable in successful change. Recommendations are given for professional development within a systemic context that will provide organizational and procedural continuity, and facilitate stakeholder development. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.