Question

Provide a substantive response (50-150 words minimum) to the posting below. Be clear about what aspect of your classmate's post you are responding to. One option is to start by quoting a portion of your classmate's post to show specifically what part of your classmate's post you are responding to (but this does not count toward the total minimum word count expected).

"To make schools less bureaucratic we would need to eliminate the characteristics of bureaucracy that Max Weber noted that is seen in most schools. Instead of having specialized experts teach certain age levels and subjects we should have anyone who is qualified teach. Get rid of the hierarchy of authority so no principals. All teachers are equal in their authority. There should not be rules and regulations to follow and teachers can teach how ever they like. Class size would be smaller. Instead of 30 students to a teacher the maximum students in a class for one teacher would be 10. The hiring of teachers would be changed too where anyone who is willing to teach can apply and do not require a teaching degree. In my personal opinion, schools would be a mess like this. Schools need experienced, qualified people to teach. It takes a special kind of person to be a teacher, especially when it comes to working with children who have learning disabilities. Having hierarchy in the school and rules and regulations keeps everything in control. The principal is like the boss of that school. If there are set rules and guidelines for everyone, everything would run smoother. The only thing that would be better for schools is having smaller class sizes so that teachers can spend more time working individually with their students. "

Answer 1

I agree that the removal of authority figures would reduce, if not eliminate, bureaucracy altogether. In all practicality, however, this would a complete nightmare. The principal is not only responsible for setting rules and regulations, but also coordinates the activities of the staff. Individuals differ greatly from one another and would have their own perceptions about learning and teaching. If everyone were allowed to practice them without any restraint at all, how would any institution function? This post also assumes that the nature of human beings is inherently good and they would behave in perfect order even if there are no rules and regulations. I personally disagree to this view as well.