All Systems Go: The Change Imperative for Whole System Reform, by Michael Fullan

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Recommended: Leadership in educational settings

Michael Fullan a well published international leader on educational change has developed numerous partnerships designed to bring about school improvement. In his newest book All Systems Go: The Change Imperative for Whole System Reform Fullan tackles whole-system reform in a practical manner that provides educational leaders and policy makers a proven approach focused on improving whole system. Whole system comprises of the school, community, district and government and that all are vital contributors individually and in concert to forward movement and success. The book examines successful school reform initiatives in three different countries the actions taken in ways to avoid common pitfalls, funding, and current policies. The focus is on seven big ideas for whole system reform with the fourth concept of collective capacity as the hidden resource we fail to understand and cultivate (p.4). Fullan states this generates the emotional commitment and technical expertise that no amount of individual capacity working alone can come close to matching. This book has three parts; Part I: The System, Part II: Getting There and Part III: A New Era. Each part breaks down the current state of education at all levels, the steps to implement All Systems Go and looks ahead to the future. A compelling case is presented in Part I: The Systems through two chapters that gives insight for support of system-wide reform. Fullan critiques educational reform such as NCLB giving its proponents a new perspective on the impact it has had in education and its detractors as one more reason to oppose reform effort. He begins in chapter one sketching out the ideas of what system reform looks like starting with big ideas that all children can le... ... middle of paper ... ...’ self-interests then we are removing a barrier for all to rise to the bigger purpose. It is naturally an instinct to want to do good for others. There is a challenge to get organized and bring value to education by having teachers not only onside but being competent and innovative. This calls for the unity between politicians and professionals. In the foreword, preface and introduction Peter Senge provides a powerful framework that reiterates the message that we must change our schools to improve their effectiveness. Implementing change has been a struggle and a hodgepodge of different reforms has further clouded the field of education. All Systems Go provides leaders a practical and proven approach to accomplish this task. Works Cited Fullan, M. (2010). All systems go: The change imperative for whole system reform. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

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