Assignment:
Topic: Case Study
Read the case study from Razik& Swanson: The Case of Karen Avery.
Please post a thread to answer all questions below:
1. From a systems perspective, what factors do you believe contributed to the marginal results obtained by the various subgroups within the task forces?
2. Identify and discuss instances of an aggregate mentality at work in this case.
3. Would Karen today describer her school or school system as relatively open or relatively closed? Why? Classify the new model as open or closed. Why?
4. Discuss the feedback mechanisms that exist in the new school model.
5. Does the new school model appear to invite chaos or amplify variety? Discuss why.
6. In what ways does the new school model apply the following systems concepts?
o Input-throughput-output
o Synergy
o Leading part and emergence
o Dynamic homeostasis
o Equifinality
o Negentropy
Karen's group has proposed an extensive revision of the traditional approach to the operation of schools. If her group is to function as a lead part of the school system in the effort to deal with its problems, what steps might it take to move the district toward their vision? What might help her group function as a lead part in the effort? What might impede her group's effectiveness? How might impedances be dealt with?