Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

The Relationship Of Leadership, Socioeconomic Status, And School Size In Developing School Culture: A Study Of Elementary School Principals, Janice Marie Ott

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Schools are being called upon to restructure, to make fundamental systemic changes which require a change in the culture of schooling. Little is known about how school culture develops. What role do leaders play in shaping culture? What influences do building size and the socioeconomic status of the students have on the culture?

The purpose of this study was to explore these relationships and to cluster and describe the culture profiles among Iowa elementary schools. A survey of a random sample of 250 Iowa elementary principals provided perceptual data from 214 respondents.

Based on the Competing Values theoretical model, four …

Alternative Behavior Programs To Be Effectively Implemented In Middle Schools, Suzanne G. Carlson

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Discipline in public schools tends to be the primary concern of people today. Disciplinary problems are not necessarily the school's fault. Many of the responsibilities traditionally assigned to the home are now assumed by the schools. Transportation, feeding, child care, substance abuse education, and sex education are just a few responsibilities now initiated by the public school system. Funding for public education has also declined in the past ten years. Because of this, new facilities are not being built to handle overcrowding, more teachers can not be hired to lower student/teacher ratios, and alternative methods of discipline are not being …

A Diagnostic Analysis Of Elementary Principal' Practices Which Serve Youth At-Risk Of School Failure, Rikki Kenneth Patrick

Dissertations and Theses

This study provides a description of the practices elementary school principals employ to reduce the likelihood that at-risk youth will actually experience school failure. The problem investigated in this study is reflected in this broad question: What is the relationship of principals' practices to the provision of service for at-risk youth?

Differences in the importance and frequency of use of practices by principals were compared. Variables such as school size, percentage of students who are eligible for free lunch, percentage of students who are at-risk, student mobility, and principal's rating of how successfully their school is serving at-risk youth were …

Developing A Code Of Conduct Policy For Hoopeston-East Lynn High School, Mark C. Conolly

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study was to develop a model code of conduct policy for Hoopeston-East Lynn High School in Hoopeston, Illinois. A survey instrument on school discipline was completed by teachers and students. Results of the survey helped identify discipline problems in the school. Information was obtained pertaining to types of discipline codes used in other schools. These included other school codes as well as prepared codes such as Assertive Discipline, Reality Therapy, and Teacher Effectiveness Training. A committee of faculty members and parents was established to review and discuss types of discipline codes. It was decided that …

Assessment Of Sex Equity In Athletics In Illinois Educational Service Center #13 Schools, Wayne C. Scarlett

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine sex equity compliance and sex equity achievement in athletic programs in grades 5-8 and 9-12 attendance centers in the eight county area served by Illinois Educational Service Center #13. Champaign, Douglas, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston, Piatt, and Vermilion Counties were included in the study. An 18 question survey instrument, keyed to the 1990 Illinois Sex Equity Rules, was sent to building administrators in all attendance centers in the eight county area that contained grades 5-8 and/or 9-12. The survey asked administrators to provide, by grade and gender, numerical information on student …

Adopting An Eight Period Day Schedule: An Analysis Of The Merits For Oakland Community Unit School District #5, Norman L. Tracy

Masters Theses

In coping with financial problems and changing demands on students' course selections, it has become increasingly more difficult to provide secondary school students with the best education possible. This seems to be especially true for the smaller school districts. Many small school districts have reduced their staffs to the "bare bones" due to budget cuts. Such reductions have often resulted in fewer course offerings and a reduced number of section offerings for required classes. When this problem was coupled with the Illinois Board of Higher Education's increased college entrance requirements that high school students must complete, the common result was …

School Consolidation In Perry County, Illinois, Ronald L. O'Daniell

Masters Theses

This is a study of factors relating to school consolidation in Perry County, Illinois. The factors explored in this study are student achievement, student information, per pupil expenditure, and community attitude. An assessment of the perceptions of school board members and superintendents regarding consolidation was conducted through a survey sent to each board member and superintendent in Perry County.

A thorough review of recent literature on consolidation was conducted. Administrators involved in previous consolidation efforts were interviewed. Analysis of the research identifies five specific concerns pertaining to consolidation in Perry County. The concerns are as follows: (a) the maintenance of …

An Evaluation Of Educational Indicators In Illinois' New Illinois Accountability Law, Leon Francis Gobczynski

Masters Theses

In the fall of 1992, P.L. 87-559 will change the way schools and districts in Illinois are evaluated for the purpose of recognition. This is commonly known as Illinois' new accountability law. This law shifts recognition from solely legal compliance to include school performance and school improvement.

Five educational indicators were chosen for Illinois' new accountability law by the State Legislature in conjunction with the Illinois State Board of Education. This research study measured administrators perceptions about the five educational indicators used in Illinois' new accountability law. In addition, ten national educational indicators were selected and administrators were requested to …

Effectiveness Of A Truancy Prevention Program In Education Service Regions 15 & 20, Michael W. Harris

Masters Theses

Truancy is a problem that many school districts must address on a daily basis. One method used to address this problem in Education Service Regions 15 & 20 in southeastern Illinois is a truancy prevention program. This program was presented to six randomly selected second grade classes. Each of these six classes was then paired with a similar second grade class in the same county. This second group of classes was the control group in which no truancy prevention program was presented. The six truancy prevention programs were presented in early September. Attendance rate data were collected for all twelve …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Janie M. Adams

Graduate Research Papers

Some of the articles and books that are referred to in the body of this paper are written by African- Americans about the plight of our African-American children in yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's schools. In writing this paper I address some basic needs for all children. Yet of most pressing concern to me are the African-American student and other students of color. Brown versus Topeka, Kansas was in 1954, but in the eyes of many African-Americans separate but equal is alive and well. With the prospect of a voucher system looming on the horizon it is being driven home even …

An Interview With John D. O'Bryant, Harold Horton

Trotter Review

The following is an interview with John D. O'Bryant, vice-president for student affairs at Northeastern University and former president of the Boston School Committee. A new, appointed, school committee was sworn into office on January 6, 1992. This interview with the former president should offer a unique perspective on past achievements and future hopes for education in Boston.

Strategies Used By Beginning Class Iii And Iv Rural School Principals In Dealing With Problems Encountered In The Initial Stages Of Their Appointments, Gail Marguerite Mclay

Theses : Honours

In Western Australia, in the last decade, there can be little doubt that educational leaders at all levels have faced substantial changes in their roles. New dimensions have been added to the role of principal and this emergent role is yet to be clearly identified. Principals are no longer solely conduits for centrally determined policies. They are now expected to undertake responsibilities such as school development planning, school based decision making and managing school grants. The appointment of a teacher to the principalship of the smaller rural school, in this study a Class III or IV school, is a significant …

A Field Experience: Teacher Orientation, Rena J. Talbert

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was three fold: 1) to determine the existence of formal teacher orientation programs, 2) the contents of the programs, and 3) the level of satisfaction by the principal(s) regarding the formal teacher orientation programs for newly employed teachers. A survey of the high schools in Educational Service Centers 15, 16, 17, and 18 was conducted.

In addition, a thorough review of literature and research associated with the need and benefits from a teacher orientation program was presented. Included in the review was the components of a mentor program.

An analysis of the survey results …

A Field Experience: The Paris High School Climate, Steven R. Sabens

Masters Theses

A comprehensive survey of the perceptions of students, teachers, and parents regarding the climate at Paris High School was conducted. This assessment was accomplished by conducting a random sample survey of students and parents, and a total survey of faculty.

Analysis of the survey results identified five specific areas in the Paris High School climate needing improvement (a) school/community relations, (b) student support climate, (c) school image, (d) school problems, and (e) students identifying a purpose between what they are studying and their everyday lives. In addition, a thorough review of recent literature and research associated with effective schools and …

A Financial Study Of The Mt. Auburn School District, Robert H. Sample

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to determine the financial condition of the Mt. Auburn Community Unit School District Number 5, Christian County, State of Illinois, from the 1986-87 school year through the 1990-91 school year. The financial condition of the district during 1991-92 school year was reviewed from July, 1991 through April, 1992. The education fund, operations, building, and maintenance fund, bond and interest fund, transportation fund, and retirement fund were all reviewed for stated time period. Tables were prepared for these major accounting funds to clarify the developing financial trend. Revenues received during 1986 through 1991 from …

Consolidation Study For Illinois Community Unit School Districts No. 10 And No. 20, Judith J. Phipps

Masters Theses

The main purpose of this field study was to examine factors related to school consolidation in Lawrence County, Illinois. Two unit school districts-Community Unit School District No. 10 and No. 20-have been in operation since 1972 in southeastern Illinois. Both districts have full recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education and North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

In 1991-92, approximately 2,800 students attended kindergarten through twelfth grade in Lawrence County. However, financial considerations were the primary concerns of the schools/ operations. Due to revenue losses in farmland reassessment, property taxes and general state aid, Lawrence County administrators examined …

An Investigation Of The Responsibilities Of Secondary Principals Serving Shared And Nonshared Superintendents, Dale E. Greimann

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In 1981-82, two school districts in the state of Iowa shared one superintendent; in 1985-86, 10 districts shared five superintendents; by 1991-92, 116 school districts reported sharing 58 superintendents. Studies on the shared superintendency suggested that role overload accompanied the position and that superintendents reacted to the increased workload by delegating responsibilities, often to building principals. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if there were significant differences in the perceived responsibilities of Iowa secondary principals serving shared superintendents and Iowa secondary principals serving nonshared superintendents. In addition, the study determined if significant relationships existed between Iowa and …

A Survey Of Teachers' Perceptions Relating To Entry Into Educational Administration In Three Eastern Kentucky Counties, Donna Joanne Ramey Morgan

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

An applied project presented to the faculty of the School of Education at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Specialist in Education by Donna Joanne Ramey Morgan on May 14, 1991.

An Analysis Of Kentucky’S Principals: Perceptions And Preparedness To Assume The Role Of School Based Management, Byron D. Jeffries

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

During the Kentucky Association of School Administrators Conference, July 1990, principals from across Kentucky were surveyed by a questionnaire to determine their perceptions and preparedness to assume their role under the newly mandated law, House Bill 940, specifically school-based management.

It was the assumption of the researcher that principals across Kentucky have very little background or training in the use of group processes and strategies needed to make school-based management a successful part of Kentucky’s educational process

Based on a statistical analysis of the collected data the research would appear to support the researcher’s assumption. Principals indicated a need for …

An Administrative Handbook For Implementation Of Year Round Education, Edward R. Schrier

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Thompson Island: Learning By Doing, Elizabeth R. Mock, Frank H. White, Marlene Ellin, Suzanne Heilman

Joseph P. Healey Library Publications

Thompson Island has provided unique and outstanding educational services to young people for more than 150 years. The following narrative and historical photographs chronicle how five successive organizations have each pursued the original goal of using the island's remarkable resources to improve the lives of youth from Boston and the surrounding area.

A continuous Board of Trustees has governed the island during the past century and a half. Currently, the resident organization is known as the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center. Although it is new to the island, Outward Bound is proud to carry on the progressive traditions described …

Enhancing Cooperative Education Programs For Indian Valley Conference High Schools, William R. Estes Iii

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study is to examine the alternatives by which small rural schools in the Indian Valley Conference could offer a broader education base for their students through cooperative education programs. Data was collected by personal interviews from the principals of the thirteen Indian Valley Conference high schools. The study focused on four areas, a) the factors necessary for effective cooperative education programs, b) the advantages of cooperative education programs, c) the disadvantages of cooperative education programs,d) and the desire for increased participation in cooperative education programs.

The survey results, relative to the cooperative education program needs of …

A Comparison Of Attendance And Self-Esteem At Assumption High School, Connie Lee Falconer

Masters Theses

Nonattendance has historically been a problem for teachers and administrators. Only recently has the effect of self-esteem and attendance been the focus of serious research. This study was conducted at Assumption High School, Assumption Community School District #9, Assumption, Illinois. The study encompassed those students in grades 9 through 12 for attendance purposes in the school year 1990-1991. Those students who were added or dropped during the given school year were not included in the study. Since this research involved some of the factors of ten associated with nonattendance of high school students, all of the students continuously enrolled from …

Methods Of Improving The Student Teaching Experience At The Elementary And Junior High School Levels As Identified By Cooperating Teachers, Student Teachers And First Year Teachers, Darrell L. Sy

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to identify how the student teaching experience could be improved based upon recommendations by cooperating teachers, first year teachers and student teachers who completed a questionnaire. Each group was asked its opinions of the current status of the student teaching experience and how the process could be improved.

Cooperating teachers provided information relative to the special types of activities they conducted to better prepare student teachers for the profession. Current student teachers were asked to determine the teaching skills with which they needed the most assistance. First year teachers provided information that compared …

School Ka Sabaq: Literacy In A Girls Primary School In Rural Pakistan, Iffat Farah

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

This paper (which is part of a larger ethnographic study) describes literacy learning practices in the context of a girls' school in rural Pakistan. In this context, school ka sabaq is recognized as involving reading and writing activities, and behavior particular to the institution of the school. A description of the reading and writing activities as well as the division of time and space in the school shows that literacy activities are reflected in and determined by the context of the particular institution within which they are learned and practiced. The author also describes school-community relations and the community's goals …

Maintaining A High School Elective/Vocational Program With The Increase In College Entrance Requirements, Clyde W. Frankie

Masters Theses

This field experience examines how 21 selected Illinois unit district high schools have maintained their elective/vocational enrollments with the 1985 increase in college admission requirements. The 21 high schools identified had a student population between 700 and 1000. A questionnaire was sent to each school requesting information regarding their master schedule. Questions specifically requested data on number of class periods, length of class periods, number of graduation units, faculty teaching load, class maximums and minimums, and percent of college-bound students in respective schools. This data was analyzed through comparative data tables to identify potential solutions or trends high schools are …

A Descriptive Study Of Perceived-Effective Rural Superintendents In The State Of Iowa, Bonnie Korver Baum

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The nature of the superintendent's responsibilities has changed significantly since the first school superintendent in the United States was hired in the 1830s. Superintendents today have a great influence on education. That influence is felt in rural schools as well as urban and suburban districts. Rural schools have certain unique administrative problems. Solving those problems depends on the vision, leadership, and effectiveness of the administration.

The purpose of this study was to identify selected characteristics of effective rural superintendents. Five rural Iowa superintendents, identified as effective by their peers, were studied in depth. The qualitative dissertation identified characteristics in four …

Determining An Alternative Organizational Structure Within Two Small/Rural Iowa School Districts: A Case Study Of An Innovative Decision Making Process, David Wayne Stoakes

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The issues confronting small/rural schools in the state of Iowa are very complex, raging in scope from the loss of student population, limited financial resources, quality of academic and extra-curricular programs, and even to the very survival of the community in which the school is located. Because of these issues school administrators, boards of education, and school district patrons are confronted with finding a new organizational structure for their school. Processes and procedures used to make these decisions have typically led to emotional battles within the school and community.

The purpose of this study was to apply the Nominal Group …

An Investigation Of The Instructional Management Behaviors Of Principals In Mid-Sized Public High Schools In Iowa, Marcus J. Haack

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The major purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of superintendents, principals, and teachers regarding the instructional management behaviors of principals in mid-sized public high schools in Iowa when applied to 10 job functions of instructional management behavior. The study utilized the Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS) instrument, developed by Dr. Philip J. Hallinger, to assess perceptions of instructional management behaviors of principals.

A total of 165 individual assessments were included in the analysis. Completed survey instruments were received from 55 superintendents, 55 high school principals, and 55 high school teachers in mid-sized pubic high schools in …

A Study Of Pease Elementary School, Odessa, Texas; The Development Of The Pease Elementary School Neighborhood And Its Changing Demographic Characteristics, Harriet Jan Rudd

Graduate Theses

The economic development of the city of Odessa flourished when oil was discovered in the Permian Basin. Oil field service businesses opened which provided jobs for the educated as well as for the uneducated. These available jobs encouraged people to move to Odessa. In 1958, Pease Elementary was built. The area around the school was being developed by local developers. The city grew to the east which decreased development in west Odessa. There have been no significant residential developments in the Pease neighborhood since 1981. This neighborhood has basically been unchanged for ten years. During this time the properties have …