Theories of Social Control in Schools

Structural Theory

What is the chain of command in your organization?

In every school system, the primary individual who interacts with students is the teacher. Teachers can monitor student behavior such as withdrawal from peers, failing to complete assignments, or signs of possible trouble at home. If teachers suspect that students are being abused or are engaged in illicit activity, they have a responsibility to report it to the relevant authorities although automatic notices are sent to parents if students miss more than a specific number of days without an excuse or if student grades drop below a certain margin.

What is the formal authority in the organization?

The formal authority within a school organization is embodied in the principal, although even the principal must abide by the formal laws of the state regarding student attendance and progress.

That is, who has economic, legal, contractual, collegial authority?

Teachers also have a certain amount of collegial influence on one another -- in other words, they wish to uphold standards in the classroom similar to their fellow professionals and lax or rigorous standards can affect one another. Even more of an effect are performance reviews, particularly for teachers who are not yet tenured and who wish to continue working at the school and have their contracts renewed. But regardless of tenure, teachers are still subject to pressure to prepare students for high-stakes tests and to meet specific performance objectives under the law.

Describe the span of control in the organization

The controls of administrative authority upon the organization extend to students and requiring them to attend school for specific days and meet specific performance standards. Teachers, even tenured teachers may be observed. "Traditionally, teacher evaluation systems relied heavily on classroom observations conducted by principals or other school administrators ... Samples of students' work, teachers' records and lesson plans, and other relevant factors were also often taken into account" (Sawchuk 2015).

How many people report to managers at various levels?

All teachers are accountable to the principal and to the heads of their department (who are also teachers). There is accountability to parents, who may demand additional conferences or support for their child if they are not satisfied with the child's progress. Both teachers and administrators are accountable to state agencies for maintaining academic standards.

How many levels exist in the organization?

Schools are accountable on local, district, and state levels. Additionally, outside law enforcement may become involved if students are found to be breaking the law in the school, particularly for non-statutory offenses such as drug use.

Describe the departmentalization structures of the organization.

Roughly speaking, schools may be divided into administrative and educational components. Educational authorities include teachers and resource room assistants. Administrators encompass principals, guidance counselors, and other staff who provide oversight.

Where are decisions being made in the organization?

Although teachers make day-to-day decisions about planning lessons, they are still accountable to the need to adhere to state standards within the classroom regarding the curriculum. Even principals must ensure that the school meets specific state requirements for student education.

Explain where your organization sits on the centralized/decentralized continuum.