Can the Clubs finally 'lift the rock'? Assessing the Sustainability of Reform in Greek Education System
Keywords:
Gifted and Talented Education, Innovation, EvaluationAbstract
This study focuses on a new institution implemented in the
Greek education system. Known as 'clubs', this innovation addresses
pupils who have a talent and special interest in a particular subject. The
research context is a primary school in Greece, where clubs were run
during the last three years. The literature shows, however, that reforms
are not easily implemented in established educational contexts and the
Greek education system is no exception. The main barriers to reform are
school structure and culture. Through a qualitative approach, the study
explores whether this innovation can be sustainable in this particular
context, by answering three basic research questions: 1) Is there
acceptance of the need for the clubs by the members of the education
community?, 2) Are the school structures assisting in the
implementation of the reform?, 3) Is the existing evaluation procedure
adequate to support educators in their efforts to improve the clubs'
function in future? The findings show that the reform can be
implemented despite the challenges presented by the school context.
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