Scenarios for Leadership and Abandonment in the Transformation of Schools

Starting from developments at the turn of the century, this article describes how events in the early years of the new millennium lead to quite different outcomes for schools. Decisions in the next 5 years will determine which shall prevail. Scenarios are tested against a view of 'world class schools' that calls for a balance of enduring values in the classical formulation of liberty, equality and fraternity, the realisation of which depends on two contemporary values of efficiency and economic growth. Domains for leadership to 2020 and beyond are described. Peter Drucker's challenge to see 'abandonment' as an aspect of leadership is taken up.