How a 'top-performing' Asian school system formulates and implements policy: The case of Singapore. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Cheng Yong; Dimmock, Clive
• Is Part Of: Educational management administration & leadership. Volume 42:Number 5(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 743
• Page End: 763
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: Asian -- education -- high-performing -- policymaking -- steering; 371.207
• DOI: 10.1177/1741143213510507
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-1432

Abstract

This article analyses the paradox inherent in the 'top-performing' yet tightly controlled Singapore education system. As government controls have increased in complexity, existing policymaking conceptual heuristics in accounting for centre-periphery relationships appear inadequate. It argues that more direct government control is being replaced by 'steering through paternalism from close proximity', reflecting a more subtle centre-periphery relationship in an Asian context.