From Learned Helplessness To Learned Efficacy: An Action Science Approach To Continuing Professional Education For Comprehensive School Reform

Abstract

This paper reports the progress and second year findings that flow from a multi-year action research strategy aimed at comprehensive school reform in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A learned helplessness model is presented as an explanation for why schools continue to struggle with implementing comprehensive reform strategies. An alternative model is offered as a blueprint for empowerment and learned efficacy. Examples from action research projects implemented during the 2002-03 academic year provide evidence that substantial progress can be made in building a learning community within the real world setting of an urban public school system.