TY - JOUR
T1 - What’s the problem with ‘policy alignment’? The complexities of national reform in Australia’s federal system
AU - Savage, Glenn C.
AU - O'Connor, Kate
PY - 2019/11/2
Y1 - 2019/11/2
N2 - This article problematises contemporary debates in favour of ‘policy alignment’ by considering the complexities emerging from attempts to forge greater alignment of policies and processes across state schooling systems in the Australian federation. We begin by articulating our conceptual approach to policy alignment, after which we examine Australian and international debates relating to alignment in schooling policy. We then consider how policy actors are engaging with debates and challenges relating to alignment, drawing upon interviews with senior bureaucrats in Australian state education departments and agencies. Our findings suggest policy actors see misalignment as a problem but do not necessarily see alignment as the solution. This raises complex questions about the logic and value of pursuing alignment in federations.
AB - This article problematises contemporary debates in favour of ‘policy alignment’ by considering the complexities emerging from attempts to forge greater alignment of policies and processes across state schooling systems in the Australian federation. We begin by articulating our conceptual approach to policy alignment, after which we examine Australian and international debates relating to alignment in schooling policy. We then consider how policy actors are engaging with debates and challenges relating to alignment, drawing upon interviews with senior bureaucrats in Australian state education departments and agencies. Our findings suggest policy actors see misalignment as a problem but do not necessarily see alignment as the solution. This raises complex questions about the logic and value of pursuing alignment in federations.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85057540680&origin=resultslist&sort=plf-f&src=s&st1=What%27s+the+problem+with+%27policy+alignment%27+The+complexities+of+national+reform+in+Australia%27s+federal+system&st2=&sid=f25d68714175c6e1c01ee6db88f9b7f3&sot=b&sdt=b&sl=123&s=TITLE-ABS-KEY%28What%27s+the+problem+with+%27policy+alignment%27+The+complexities+of+national+reform+in+Australia%27s+federal+system%29&relpos=0&citeCnt=0&searchTerm=
U2 - 10.1080/02680939.2018.1545050
DO - 10.1080/02680939.2018.1545050
M3 - Article
SN - 0268-0939
VL - 34
SP - 812
EP - 835
JO - Journal of Education Policy
JF - Journal of Education Policy
IS - 6
ER -