The governance of Higher Education institutions is different from that of K-12 schools. There are a variety of governance structures at various levels. For this week’s discussion, please be sure to read the following articles from your study:
Understanding, Responding to, and Influencing School Community: Principals’ Perspectives.
Thriving in the Midst of Liminality: Perspectives from Department Chairs in the USA.
After your reading, respond to the following:
Research and discuss two differences between the governance of Higher Education institutions and K-12 school divisions from an internal perspective. Be sure to support your discussion with information from our text, The American Education Policy Landscape, and additional resources as appropriate.
Level of autonomy
Higher education institutions have a much higher degree of autonomy than K-12 school divisions. This is because colleges and universities are typically private institutions, while K-12 schools are typically public institutions. Private institutions are not subject to the same level of government oversight as public institutions. This gives them more freedom to make their own decisions about things like curriculum, hiring, and spending.
2. Role of the faculty
The faculty plays a much more important role in the governance of higher education institutions than they do in K-12 school divisions. This is because colleges and universities are typically research institutions, and the faculty are responsible for conducting research and teaching students. They have a vested interest in the quality of education that is being offered, and they are therefore more likely to be involved in decision-making.
In addition to these two differences, there are a number of other factors that contribute to the unique governance structures of higher education institutions and K-12 school divisions. These factors include the size and complexity of the institutions, the sources of funding, and the legal framework that governs them.
Here are some additional details about each of the two differences I mentioned:
Level of autonomy
The level of autonomy that higher education institutions enjoy is one of the most important distinguishing features between them and K-12 school divisions. This autonomy is granted by the state or federal government, and it allows colleges and universities to make their own decisions about things like curriculum, hiring, and spending.
There are a number of reasons why higher education institutions are granted this level of autonomy. One reason is that they are typically private institutions, which means that they are not subject to the same level of government oversight as public institutions. Another reason is that colleges and universities are seen as being more specialized than K-12 schools, and they are therefore given more freedom to make decisions that are in the best interests of their students and faculty.
Role of the faculty
The faculty plays a much more important role in the governance of higher education institutions than they do in K-12 school divisions. This is because colleges and universities are typically research institutions, and the faculty are responsible for conducting research and teaching students. They have a vested interest in the quality of education that is being offered, and they are therefore more likely to be involved in decision-making.
The faculty typically have a voice in the selection of the president, the deans, and other senior administrators. They also have a say in matters such as curriculum, hiring, and budgeting. This level of involvement gives the faculty a significant amount of power, and it helps to ensure that the interests of the students and faculty are represented in the decision-making process.