Abdullah Alatiqi 6\2016 For Dr. Jams Pederson School Policy chapter 4 Abdullah Alatiqi 6\2016 For Dr. Jams Pederson

Focus Questions What are the distinctive characteristics of the U.S political system? How can school leaders work most effectively within this system? What is political culture ? Why should school leaders take into account the political culture of the geographic area in which they work?

Political System in the U.S. Separated powers developed by the Founding Fathers. Unlike most countries, it is not a parliamentary system. In Saudi Arabia: No states Consultative Assembly Council of Ministers The Saudi Council of Ministers is the Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is led by the King who is Prime Minister.

Financial Dependence Fiscally dependent school district: Pro: have natural allies in local government. Con: does not have the power to raise taxes or approve its budgets. Fiscally independent school district: Pro: have the power to raise taxes or approve its budgets. Con: does not have natural allies in local government.

Focus on Elections “Permanent Campaign”. Focus on elections rather than governing. Regardless of how high the approval ratings are, everyone has to go through re-election.

Implications of the Political System for School Leaders Competition among governance bodies: Resources and power. Identifying and monitoring competitors. Multiple Veto Points: some bills are never even voted on.

Timing Policy Concerns with Elections Selecting the time and people. E.g. The closer the politician to an election, the less likely he/she will support a policy change that requires increasing tax. Windows of opportunity. Many good Ideas died because they were not presented in an appropriate time, place, situation, or by the right person or to the right person.

Network and Coalition Building Forum: present and discuss ideas. Arenas: made decisions about policies.

Political culture Daniel Elazar(1994) defined it as “ the particular pattern of orientation to particular action in which {a} political system is embedded” He identified three basic cultures in the U.S. : individualistic moralistic Traditionalistic Each state has different cultures A leader who moved from PA (individualistic culture) to TN (Traditionalistic culture) must relearn many principles of practical politics in order to work well in the new setting.

Traditionalistic Political Culture Is seen as a positive force in society that should maintain the status quo. Leading in a Traditionalistic Setting: School leaders are selected based on their acceptance to the local elite. Sometimes leaders’ education causes their ideas to change and differ from the local elite. Personal contacts and social ties are the basis for political effectiveness. Changes should reflect traditions.

Moralistic Political Culture Members of this culture believe that politics should be “a public activity centered on some notion of the public good and properly devoted to the advancement of the public interest”. Leading in a Moralistic Setting: Provide opportunities to the local citizens to provide input. Open communication channels (newsletters, websites)

Individualistic Political Culture Government should serve utilitarian – primarily economic- purposes. Leading in an Individualistic Setting: Running efficient and smooth operations that satisfies tax payers. School-business partnerships are important. Financial cost of all changes are well understood

Abdullah Alatiqi 6\2016 For Dr. Jams Pederson Thank You (: Abdullah Alatiqi 6\2016 For Dr. Jams Pederson