From the Publisher
"For over 40 years, Michael Fullan has been one of the world's most important thinkers on education policy. In this important new book, he reflects on what we've gotten wrong with our efforts to reform and improve schools, and he offers clear and compelling recommendations on what we must do differently if schools are to meet the learning needs of future generations. Fullan is no bright-eyed optimist. He understands from years of experience what gets in the way of change so he offers advice to educators, parents, and policymakers on what they can do to overcome the barriers to create the schools we so desperately need. For those who share my belief in the importance of education, this book is just what we need to carry forward the work of school change."
—Pedro Noguera, dean, Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California
"The latest truly remarkable addition to the panoply of Fullan’s contribution to global educational research, policy, and practice, the sixth edition of The New Meaning of Educational Change brings it all together. This is the work of a seer: a searing synthesis of what we now know about system change with a profound knowledge, moral insight, and intuitive power to identify the breakthrough we so desperately need to shift our learning systems. A breakthrough of ‘proximity to practice'—with the absolute imperative to act now!"
—Anthony Mackay, CEO, Centre for Strategic Education, Melbourne, Australia
“Capturing over 60 years of educational reform, Fullan is as close to a living LLM—our own human educational Chat GPT as we will get. This is the definitive book that articulates in plain language where we need to go and how to get there. It is a journey worth joining.”
—Michael Matsuda, superintendent, Anaheim Union High School District
"Michael Fullan’s latest edition of his seminal work on educational change summarizes years of research and unsuccessful reform initiatives. Looking forward, he provides practical guidance for needed educational reform. Keeping relationships at the forefront, he captures the complexity of leadership in a time of technological advancements with artificial intelligence and complex societal challenges."
—Thomas D’Amico, director of education, Ottawa Catholic School Board, Canada
"In the aftermath of the global pandemic, the clamor among researchers and reformers to reimagine public education has intensified. Michael Fullan gives us new evidence and examples of how to transform the whole system. The New Meaning of Educational Change reminds practitioners and policymakers of lessons not yet learned, as well as how to capitalize on new opportunities to create the schools that every student deserves to have in our rapidly uncertain world. Run, don’t walk, to pick up and read the sixth edition!"
—Barnett Berry, senior research fellow, Learning Policy Institute
“Michael Fullan brings the reader on a compelling 60-year journey of educational change. His honesty in examining why reforms have failed (including those he was part of) highlights his humility and willingness to continue to challenge the status quo. His concept of 'systemness' is the way forward: uniting students, teachers, parents, and community as the center of gravity for education. These new findings will guide ours, and other education systems, in relinquishing control at the top, as the people doing the work must control it.'"
—Tiffany Bastin, assistant deputy minister, New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
"In this sixth edition of his groundbreaking book, the world’s leading expert on educational change reflects on 60 years of efforts to improve education systems. In doing so, he challenges his own thinking in order to propose new drivers for educational change. Fullan recommends powerful new strategies that are a must for anyone serious about system transformation in 2025 and beyond. I have no doubt that this book will continue Fullan’s enormous success in influencing policy and practice globally."
—Mel Ainscow, emeritus professor of education, University of Manchester, UK
"Over the last 40 years, Michael Fullan has been the most influential writer and thinker about educational change in the developed world. He has an unmatched ability to interpret education research and socioeconomic trends for principals and teachers. He is a master of language as well as educational research. This new edition of The New Meaning of Educational Change is a remarkable work. In it, Fullan traces not only the trends and changes of the last 40 years, but also the evolution of his own thinking in response to and anticipation of those trends and changes. Almost every section reveals a new insight or provokes an important debate. Every educator and reformer, whatever their perspective, will learn from and enjoy it."
—Sir Michael Barber, chancellor, University of Exeter, UK, and chair emeritus, Delivery Associates
"The ideas and conclusions in the new edition of The New Meaning of Educational Change beautifully capture how successful systemic change can be accomplished in reality! In 2007, we started an innovation unit called Ceibal, whose mandate was to deploy laptops and internet for all children in public education in Uruguay. It was a program of equality and access. In 2009, we started deploying mathematic and reading platforms. Then we realized that we needed a more holistic view on education and change, and in 2010 we invited Michael Fullan to help us. Since then, Ceibal and Uruguay have worked in partnership with Michael and his team, who have been an inspiration on systemic change resulting in widely recognized success. Fullan’s new edition is a must-read for anyone seeking system transformation in learning."
—Miguel Brechner, president, Plan Ceibal, Uruguay
"The New Meaning of Educational Change, Sixth Editionis an astonishing piece of work that breeds hope and inspires participation at every level of the system. Fullan delivers unparalleled insight, pragmatic optimism, and a renewed (and much needed) sense of hope for all who are deeply committed to transforming the education system. Through a systematic critique, Fullan lays bare the systemic failures of the past while charting a bold path forward for the future—one that calls for the collective power and active participation of students and teachers, collaborating as equal partners in reshaping education and the learning process. This book serves as both a manifesto and a powerful call to action. It provides exciting pathways for those of us on the front line. It challenges educators, policymakers, and communities alike to rethink their roles, embrace shared responsibility, and work together to build an education system that meets the demands of an increasingly complex world. Fullan's vision is one of deep, lasting change—driven by co-learning, collaboration, and a commitment to the greater good."
—Marie-Claire Bretherton, deputy CEO, Waterton Academy Trust, UK
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