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Dynamics of change: decentralised centralism of education in Singapore

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Abstract

Many countries are introducing major educational changes to prepare their students to meet the challenges in a knowledge economy and enhance the country’s competitive edge. This paper discusses recent educational changes in Singapore using the framework of decentralised centralism proposed by Karlsen (2000). The paper explores the dynamics of change in the initiation, content, levels and simultaneity of the decentralisation process in Singapore since 1997. The paper further analyses the ideological roots of the decentralisation policy through a discussion of the tension between the functionalist and liberal forms of education in the Singapore context. The discussion adds to existing literature on the tensions and challenges faced by countries in their attempts to introduce educational changes in their countries.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the referees for their helpful comments on an earlier draft.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Policy and Leadership Studies, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore, 637616, Singapore

    Charlene Tan & Pak Tee Ng

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  1. Charlene Tan
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  2. Pak Tee Ng
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Correspondence to Charlene Tan.

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Tan, C., Ng, P.T. Dynamics of change: decentralised centralism of education in Singapore. J Educ Change 8, 155–168 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10833-006-9016-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10833-006-9016-4

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