Following on from my reflections on adopting a more positive perspective on accountability and the connection with
venture capitalism for philanthropic purposes I was reminded of the notion of Social Entrepreneurs – which I’ve discussed in a previous blog entry.

Building on this I came across a chapter of a book relating to
Educational Entrepreneurs. I’ll explore some of the ideas emerging from this concept over the next few posts.

This extract from the chapter gives some indication of the content which overlaps with some of the ideas I’ve been exploring recently:

“Education is a very complex, highly skilled endeavor. We must develop new practices that support increased productivity and responsiveness. This includes a need for more research and development on effective instructional and management approaches. We know a great deal today about fundamental areas like reading instruction, but there is much to be learned about how to manage school systems in this new environment. One critical factor is making available more transparent, timely, and relevant information about student and school progress, which would enable educators, parents, and community leaders to make more informed decisions and set the stage for entrepreneurs to create new approaches and organizations based on need.

In a system governed by the principles of dynamic equilibrium, entrepreneurs may be both important vehicles for getting there and permanent participants in this new environment. By imagining how education can be improved, thinking beyond the current rules and resources, creating new organizations to execute their vision and inspiring others to follow, entrepreneurs may be agents of continuous improvement in public schooling.”

I believe that there is a role for entrepreneurs within our education system. Some of them may be head teachers but others may operate at a range of differnt levels within and outwith the organisation. Our challenge is to identify, support enable these entrepreneurs to influence the system wherever they are.

Are you an entrepreneur – or has the system ground you down?