Dennis Shirley - The Global Fourth WayThe Quest for Educational Excellence

Dennis Shirley, a professor of education, discusses his books co-authored with Andy Hargreaves, focusing on educational change. He outlines three historical waves of change: the 1960s' individualism, the 1980s' standardization, and the 2000s' data-driven approaches. Shirley introduces the Fourth Way, advocating for a balance of standards and autonomy, drawing on successful models from Finland, Singapore, and Canada. He emphasizes the need for innovation and engagement in public education to uplift the profession and improve global educational outcomes.

What is one of the main challenges faced by public schools according to Dennis Shirley?

• Insufficient funding

• Standardized curriculum and high-stakes testing

• Lack of technology

• Teacher shortages

During the first wave of educational change, what was a key characteristic of teaching?

• Teacher independence and creativity

• Standardized testing

• Data-driven decision-making

• Market-based reforms

What was a significant change in the second wave of educational reform?

• Focus on environmental education

• Introduction of charter schools

• Elimination of standardized tests

• Increased teacher autonomy

What was the focus of the third wave of educational change?

• Data-driven decision-making

• Increased funding for arts

• Elimination of competition

• Teacher independence

What is a major drawback of the third wave of educational change?

• Loss of teacher autonomy and creativity

• Insufficient technology use

• Lack of data

• Overemphasis on arts education

What does the fourth way aim to restore in the education profession?

• Greater teacher autonomy and integrity

• More competition among schools

• Increased standardized testing

• Focus on traditional teaching methods

Which regions are highlighted as examples of the fourth way in education?

• Finland, Singapore, Ontario, and Alberta

• Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea

• Brazil, India, Russia, and China

• United States, England, Chile, and Australia