The Work Organization in Schools - an Innovation Agenda

Purpose and goal

Our work hypothesis is that there is a significant potential for innovation in schools and that work organization is an underused mean for improvements and renewal. This hypothesis was confirmed during the course of the project. In addition, we could clearly note that their is a considerable lack of expertise concerning organizational issues in Swedish schools, but also that the work organization could function as an engine of innovation given certain conditions. A well functioning work organization could create the fundamental developement needed to face the critical challenges.

Results and expected effects

In order to achieve the vision of the work organization as an engine for innovation, several strong R&D platforms need to be created. Moreover, these platforms need to fulfill certain criteria. We need to include several leading scholars, create arenas for problem inventories , carry out reserch close to practice and actors working with further academic education needs to be involved. In order for a practically relevant knowledge developement to take place, we have been more and more convinced about the crucial importance of interaction between schools and between school principals.

Approach and implementation

1) We started out studying agendas for innovation in other areas. 2) A systematic knowledge review was carried out. 3) 17 focus groups and 3 work shops was completed. 4) Continous analytical work. We have taken into account a description of the present, discussed what works well and what needs to be improved and asked the school personell to identify relevant external factors. 5) Supported by our inter disciplinary foundation, the systematic knowledge review and lessons from focus groups and workshops, the structure and content of the innovation agenda was successively developed.