School Reform: Community, Corporatism, and the Social Good

Abstract

Paradigms are important. Since the early part of the 20th century, a corporatist paradigm has influenced education policy and structure. A corporatist view is based on two assumptions: Schools are like businesses; therefore, sound business practices will improve schools. Another paradigm that has received only minimal attention in formulating education policy in the United States is a community paradigm, which envisions education as a comprehensive endeavor and the integration of students into the larger social system as the paramount goal. Both paradigms have views about the social good, and in my article, I attempt to outline each paradigm, its assumptions, and its potential impact on schooling in the United States.