Education, Professionalism, and the Quest for Accountability

Education, Professionalism, and the Quest for Accountability examines the intricate relationship between education and professional accountability from two interconnected viewpoints. The first perspective centers on the roles of various professionals within educational institutions, such as teachers, administrators, and educational leaders. The book critiques the current accountability system, highlighting how it imposes detrimental effects on educational practices, organization, and content. The authors argue that the managerialism inherent in this system hampers the quality of education, leading to a rigid and often counterproductive environment.

The second perspective explores the professional development of individuals in non-educational fields, such as healthcare, social work, and public service. These professionals also grapple with the implications of a performance management model that prioritizes bureaucratic compliance over genuine accountability. The book posits that regardless of the profession, individuals working in public institutions are compelled to adapt their practices to fit a rigid framework that stifles creativity and flexibility.

Ultimately, the book presents a critical analysis of the managerial model of accountability, suggesting that its emphasis on regulation and monitoring may paradoxically reduce true accountability in practice. In the context of education, this model can lead to a less effective learning environment, undermining the very goals it aims to achieve. By drawing attention to these issues, the authors advocate for a reevaluation of accountability measures that prioritize meaningful engagement and professional integrity over mere compliance.