Chapter 10: Scientific School Management: Testing, Immigrants and Experts

Scientific management revolutionized the basic functioning of the workplace and especially the dynamics within the school system. Soon, the school environment became uncompromising and fully in control of elite school administrators. Even though there was a strong push for keeping “business” and “politics” out of the system, the scientific management revolution conferred all power on administrators. Such administrators were upper class professionals such as business men or politicians. In turn, school administrators were elected by a school board comprised of “civic elite”, who appointed school officials of similar business values and interests (p277). Clearly, the attempt to keep business and politics out of the system failed. This senseless trend of political convenience plagues the school system today. One major example is Mayor Bloomberg’s decision to appoint Cathie Black as Chancellor of NYC schools. Ms. Black is a prominent business woman with no experience in the education field and probably has little idea of the current effectiveness of the NYC school system since her children all go to private schools in Connecticut. Opinions vary regarding Bloomberg’s choice but there is a high probability that it was strictly a business decision. In reality, the school system is a highly political arena. Stratification and bureaucracy places some above others and the power of those on top greatly influences the system as a whole, including teachers and students. However, what would happen if power remained at one level? Is “making the government bigger” the better choice in the current educational and political mess?