CENTRALIZATION

Definition:
"Educational systems centralization is concentration of channels." (p.40)

Examples:
Figure 1 above illustrates the affect relation: Set goals for learning. Note that this affect relation is emanating from numerous components in the system--from students (S), teachers (T) and the principal (P). Centralization is relatively low in Figure 1. The channels are distributed among many components, not concentrated around one or a few.
Figure 2 illustrates the same affect relation, but the structure is different than in Figure 1. Notice that this affect relation is emanating from a Federal Law, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), which is setting the learning goals for students. NCLB requires states in the U.S. to regularly assess student achievement using standardized tests. What this is doing is directly affecting goals for students, i.e., what they are supposed to learn in school. Students have no say in the matter. The state, in complying with NCLB, is determining the goals.
Related Terms:
Compactness
Affect Relation
Directed Affect Relation
Channel
Hypotheses Containing the Property: Centralization
61. If education system passive dependence increases, then centralization increases.
62. If educational system active dependence increases, then centralization decreases.
66. If educational system centralization increases, then passive dependence increases.
67. If educational system centralization increases, then active dependence decreases.
68. If educational system centralization is less than some value, then independence increases.
69. If educational system centralization is less than some value, then centralization increases.
90. If educational system toput increases, then centralization decreases.
105. If educational system centralization increases, then toput decreases.
166. If educational system centralization increases, then state steadiness increases.
169. If educational system wholeness is greater than some value and centralization is greater than some value, then state determination is greater than some value.
173. If educational system automorphism increases , then centralization decreases.
181. If educational system size increases and complexity growth is constant, then centralization decreases.
185. If educational system complexity increases and size growth is constant, then centralization increases.
186. If educational system centralization increases and stress is greater than some value, then stability decreases.
187. If educational system stress is equal to zero and centralization increases, then stability increases.
Go to the top of this document