Expectations Personal Statement (Personal Statement Sample)

Expectations
Name
Institution
The American society has realized numerous administrative reforms enacted by the congress and the federal government in the last six decades. These administrative reforms are as a result of the ever changing expectations in the corporate world. According to Light (2006), the increase in the number and variety of administrative reforms is due to increased involvement of the congress, increased public distrust towards the government, and a decrease in activity and resistance by the presidency. This paper examines an article addressing the tide of reforms written by Paul Light, and whether his argument can be implemented elsewhere.
Light’s Argument
As mentioned earlier, Light holds the opinion that the increase in the number and variety of administrative reforms is due to increased involvement of the congress, increased public distrust toward government, and a decrease in activity and resistance by the presidency. Light (2006) further notes that part of the variation in the philosophies of reform emanates from a field of dreams which led to the establishment of new government structures in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. The field of dreams created the demand for reforms. Light (2006) indicates that the lack of reliable evidence of what leads to improved government performance also contributes to an increase in administrative reform agendas. A study conducted to evaluate the perception of federal employees’ perception of reforms indicated that what matters the most is whether organizations need reforms. The study found out that it does not matter whether organizations underwent reforms in the past or not; what matters the most is the need for organizations to realize the importance of reforms and pan for the expected reforms (Light, 2006). At least four tides of reform can be deduced from past federal governments’ administrative reform agendas. First, the reforms emphasized on the need to have logical scientific management schemes. This was achieved through the creation of a single executive which monitored government officers and departments. Second, past administrative reform agendas laid structures for accountability of expenditures and revenue. This was achieved by allocating the appropriation powers to the congress. Third, the reforms ensured that an effective system to monitor government powers was in existence. Finally, past reforms established a foundation to liberate the federal government from excess regulation by giving the president executive powers. Light (2006) notes that the market for reform contains an inherent contradiction.
According to Light (2006, p. 12), “Americans cannot live with a government, but they cannot live without it; government may be wasteful toward others, but not toward them”. As such, three groups emerge in the public. The first group, the dismantlers, holds the opinion that governments have wrong priorities thus government expenditure should be cut. The second group, realigners, also believes that governments have wrong priorities. However, they are for the opinion that governments should develop sound programs that deal with important issues. The third group, the reinventors, believes that the government has the right priorities but is insufficient. This group notes that governments should come up with viable programs that address important issues.
Case Study: Expectations
The case study, expectations, highlighted by Boo clearly illustrates what Light calls a particular tide of reform. Boo (2007) indicates that public schools in Colorado including Manual High were on the verge of collapse as many students posted poor grades. The education system in the district was under scrutiny following increased cases of indiscipline, low student turnout, high dropout rates and poor academic performances (Boo, 2007). Statistics indicated that only one out of ten students passed the state writing tests; only three percent passed the Math test, and only one out five freshmen attained accreditation status (Boo, 2007). Manual high school, a classic example of the poor performing schools in the district, was the subject of aggressive and thoughtful reform agenda.
These statistics prompted stakeholders to initiate the required reforms. As such, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation engineered the reforms by donating one million dollars. Unfortunately, this intervention did not bring the expected academic success. When Bennet took charge of public high schools in the district, many expected effective academi...