This paper examines the problem of school overcrowding in districts across the United States, arguing that the lack of progress stems not only from the complexity of the issue but also from the absence of effective leadership. The paper proposes distance learning as a technological solution that would allow older students to receive instruction off-site — including in spaces borrowed from community colleges and nonprofit organizations — thereby freeing classroom space for younger students. It then evaluates three broad leadership typologies — hierarchical, transformational, and facilitative — concluding that facilitative leadership, which incorporates input from all stakeholders across multiple organizations, is best suited to implementing such a multifaceted solution.
School overcrowding is a serious concern in districts across the country. While many school administrators, researchers, and families are looking for solutions, there has been little progress made. Part of this lack of progress — indeed a large part — arises from the fact that there simply is no easy answer in many cases. But even more importantly, the failure of districts arises from the fact that the most effective type of leadership has not been brought to the fore. A solution to a complicated problem always requires the kind of leader who can organize and inspire others in the group (Mealiea & Baltazar, 2005).
The technological change most suited to addressing overcrowded classrooms is distance learning, in which students watch lectures via a television screen or on their computer monitors. This approach would only be practical for older students, and a monitor would need to be present — though this person would not need to be a licensed instructor. Students would then work individually or in groups to complete their assignments, with the option of emailing their instructors to ask questions.
Classrooms for distance learning do not have to be located on school grounds, which opens up more space for younger students and reduces the burden on shared resources such as the library and cafeteria. Classroom space could be borrowed from community colleges and nonprofit organizations, both of which often have rooms available during traditional school hours. A small payment should, if at all possible, be provided to these institutions in exchange.
There are numerous typologies of leadership styles, but the majority can be broken down into a version of one of three broad categories (Mealiea & Baltazar, 2005). The first is the hierarchical style, which is a top-down approach. This would seem to be the opposite of what is needed when trying to reduce classroom overcrowding — especially for the implementation of a distance-learning program, which requires a high level of cooperation among different organizations.
"Transformational leadership still too centralized for task"
"Facilitative style best suits multi-organization coordination"
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