The Fourth Way

"In some places, Third Way politics have barely begun. In others, they have been pushed as far as they can go. It is high time for a new Fourth Way of social and educational reform. In this unique and excellent text, Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley set out this way for the very first time, and also provide crystal clear examples of what it looks like in practice." -- Anthony Giddens, Director, London School of Economics
"In The Fourth Way, Hargreaves and Shirley draw on their firsthand studies of the highest-performing systems in the U.S. and across the world to demonstrate that our best hope for education in a time of turmoil rests in change strategies that are, at once, both professional and democratic. Inspiring in vision, accessible in style, and solid in its evidence base, this book will be an engine for change in the years to come." -- Linda Darling-Hammond, Professor of Education
"Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley, always one or two steps ahead of the field, have done it again. An extremely balanced and insightful treatment of the first three ways of change, in which the authors clearly display the strengths and limitations of each model. And then they go to town in mapping out the Fourth Way—a concise and compelling framework for change that integrates teacher professionalism, community engagement, government policy, and accountability. The Fourth Way is itself a powerful ′catalyst for coherence′ in a field that badly needs guidance. Read the book and rethink your approach to educational reform." -- Michael Fullan, Educational Consultant
"The Fourth Way might just offer the best ideas yet for broad-scale educational improvement. Hargreaves and Shirley refreshingly depart from old school arguments. Instead, with the aid of concrete examples, they identify and embrace the successful elements of past education reform efforts while illustrating the flaws in unhelpful efforts. Their careful analysis and insights on lessons learned will be invaluable to anyone serious about making positive, sustainable changes that deliver a great public school to every student." -- Dennis Van Roekel, President
"Perplexed and demoralized by policies that diminish and routinize their work, many educators fear that public schooling has reached a dead end. In this informed and inspiring book, Hargreaves and Shirley point to a new and promising path for progress. The Fourth Way is not only open to educators, but must be forged by them with shared purpose, foresight, and common sense." -- Susan Moore Johnson, Pforzheimer Professor of Teaching and Learning
"The new era—the Fourth Way—holds more than just promise. Elements of this approach are underway in different parts of the world at this very moment, and the authors shine light on each as they encourage the reader to tap into the very best practices to ensure that the next wave truly leaves no child, family, or community behind!" -- Alan M. Blankstein, President
"The authors propose a new vision for transforming public education for the 21st century. They argue that school systems must move away from a culture of high-stakes testing, encourage innovation and creativity, and engage parents and communities in educational change. Their ideas are timely and relevant for educational leaders today." -- Daniel A. Domenech, Executive Director
"In this timely and inspirational book, Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley challenge our current thinking about educational change. Their argument for interdependence, empowerment, collective courage, and professionalism will resonate with all who have wrestled with these issues. It will leave a lasting impression. Read it!" -- Steve Munby, Chief Executive
"This is a great book! Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley have an incredible ability to describe important issues in incisive and compelling ways." -- Dennis Sparks, Emeritus Executive Director
"Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley provide inspirational and challenging formations for next schools and their leaders in The Fourth Way. The celebration of personal capacity and the promotion of educational change through deepened and demanding learning, professional quality, and engagement provides hope and catalyzes our best values to regenerate and improve society. An outstanding vision for our future." -- Jenny Lewis, CEO

Change in schools is generally not well done. Principals and school boards often are so impacted by the press of the present that they cannot see the "big," strategic picture, so they resort to the few well-tried strategies that have served them well in the past. Andy Hargreaves is a highly credible researcher on change in education. In this book, he joins with Dennis Shirley to provide a new, alternative way of re-examining change in schools.

The first three change genre are:
1. Innovation and inconsistency (1945-1975circa) and Complexity and contradiction (1975- late 1980s); 2. The way of the markets and standardisation (to 1995, neoliberalism); and
3. Performance and partnership (1995- present, modified New Public Management).

The authors examined aspects of the first three ways of change and decided what was worth keeping: inspiration, innovation and autonomy (from the First Way); urgency, consistency and all-inclusive equity (from the Second Way) and balance and inclusiveness, public involvement, financial re-investment, better evidence and professional networks (from the Third Way).

Six pillars of purpose and partnership characterise the Fourth Way:
1. An inspiring and inclusive vision;
2. Strong public engagement;
3. Achievement through investment;
4. Corporate educational responsibility;
5. Students as partners in change; and
6. Mindful learning and teaching.

Teacher professionalism, which took a nose-dive in the desperate push towards national standards, is re-asserted in the Fourth Way. Importantly, Hargreaves does not forget the important work that he did on sustainable leadership, and he reminds us of the need for responsibility before accountability.

This book provides a useful sense of direction to everyone imbedded in school change, and it is an important reference for all school leaders.

-- Neil MacNeill, Principal