Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration Commons^™

Conflict Management: Key To Effective School Principals, Henderson O. Days

Masters Theses

Effective school research studies have identified many characteristics of effective schools and effective leaders. In October, 1984, the U.S. Department of Education and the National Commission on Excellence identified 202 schools and 54 principals that met their school effectiveness criteria (Appendix C) and later that year they were given national recognition.

This researcher reviewed literature by Edmonds (1982), Eicholtz (1984), Guthrie (1980), Brookover and LeZotte (1982), Sergiovanni (1984) and others on effective schools as a validity reference in measuring the responses of the surveyed principals who listed what they perceived as being school effectiveness factors.

In establishing effective school programs, …

A Study Of The Organizational Climate Of Effingham High School As Perceived By The Faculty, Calvin R. Kirk

Masters Theses

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this field study was to determine how the faculty at Effingham High School in Effingham, Illinois, perceived the organizational climate of the school.

As first year assistant principal of the high school, the researcher saw the need to understand the personality of the organization with which he worked. The researcher viewed teacher perceptions of the school's organizational climate as a meaningful beginning point for initiating an ongoing project to build a positive school climate at Effingham High School.

Procedure

The Organizational Climate Index constituted the instrument used to gather faculty perceptions of the organizational …

Administrative Field Experience, Richard E. Manuell

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Anatomy Of A Strike, Elizabeth Ann Johnson

Masters Theses

This field experience is a historical examination of events and conditions leading up to and including the strike of 1982 between the teachers and the Paris, Illinois School District 195. A review of the literature parallels many of the conditions that led up to and were present in the Paris strike and its settlement. It also emphasized the relationship of unionism with the rise of teacher militancey.

This field study consists of six chapters. Chapter one is concerned with the overview of the problem. Chapter two reviews the historical background of labor unions, and the rise of teacher unions from …

Community Education: Processes And Programs, Theodore J. Kowalski

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

"Community education is on the threshold of a major breakthrough. It has captured the imagination of both educational and lay leaders throughout the U.S."

Although these words are an appropriate description of community education today, they were written by V. M. Kerensky 14 years ago. An idea that never took hold to the degree its advocates predicted, community education, nevertheless, refuses to die. Over the past two or three years, the interest of educationalleaders has been stimulated once again by this proposal for expanding the mission and decision-making processes of public schools. In 49 of the 50 states (Hawaii being …

Perceptions Of Parents, Teachers, And Administrators Of The Learning Disability Programs Of The Macon, Moweaqua, And Warrensburg-Latham School Districts, Carl R. Hall

Masters Theses

Purpose

The purpose of this field study was to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of the learning disability resource services, the model used to deliver services in Macon, Moweaqua, and Warrensburg-Latham School Districts, from the parents’, regular teachers’, resource learning disability teachers’, and administrators’ perspectives.

Assessing the perspectives currently held of the resource services by regular teachers, parents, resource learning disability teachers, and administrators served as an initial step in planning for future program needs and may help in establishing future goals for learning disability students. Discrepancies in the perceptions of these four groups may represent communication problems and identify areas …

A Study Of The Truants Alternative Program In The Clay-Jasper-Richland Educational Service Region, Southeastern, Illinois, Larry Rinehart

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Clay-Jasper-Richland Truants Alternative Program had reduced truancy and chronic truancy in the region during the 1984-85 school year and to identify possibly needed modifications in the Truants Alternative Program.

A review of the research and literature revealed that truancy is a complex problem that may require the treatment of the student, school environment, and general environment. Only after a careful evaluation of a student's situation can a plan be formulated for remediating the truancy problem.

Statistics were obtained on the numbers of truants, chronic truants, and student population in each …

The Development Of A Program For Minority Dropout Prevention In The Decatur, Illinois Public School District #61, Priscilla Marjorie Palmer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study was to identify the need and present a workable model designed to address minority dropout prevention for the Decatur, Illinois, Public School District #61. The overall district dropout rate at the time this field study commenced was 26.6 percent. However, the dropout rate for minority (Black) males was 43.1 percent and 24.9 percent for minority (Black) females. The data shows that a problem of minority dropouts did exist in Decatur School District #61 and that a preventive program was needed to address this problem.The Program to Improve Student Attendance (PISA), was designed for use …

Superintendent Internship In Jasper County Cusd #1 And Robinson Cusd #2, Beverly L. Turkal

Masters Theses

This internship includes involvement, through employment, in two Illinois school districts: Jasper Community Unit #1 at Newton and Robinson Community School District 2 in Robinson. The internship has been under the direction of Superintendent James B. Taylor in Jasper Unit #1 and Superintendent Robert J. Verdun in the Robinson school district. Dr. Larry Janes, EIU professor, has been the student's advisor.

Jasper Unit #1 is the largest school district in Illinois, geographically. It includes 461 square miles and is the only district in Jasper County. There are ten attendance centers, including one high school and several elementary schools. The present …

Converting The Bement Junior High School To The Bement Middle School, Greg Zollman

Masters Theses

The town of Bement, Illinois, had an elementary school (K-8) and a high school (9-12) prior to 1976. The Bement Community Unit School District initiated its junior high school in 1976. This school consisted of the seventh and eighth grades.

During the 1983-84 school year, the administrators of the Bement schools expressed a general concern with the academic grades, social development, and behavior that was occurring in the Bement Junior High School. They indicated that many of the problems were the result of having the junior high school students housed with the senior high school students. They perceived that some …

An Experimental Cost Index Model For The Analysis Of Service Cost Differentials Of Iowa School Districts, Dean W. Meier

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to construct a service cost index (SCI) for a sample of Iowa school districts and to use the SCI to examine the relationship school district size has to efficiency of educational services delivery. The SCI was based upon the computation of the cost of delivering a fixed market basket of services to a typical student in each of 44 randomly selected Iowa high schools. The Minimum Curriculum Requirements and Standards for Approved Schools, as outlined in the Code of Iowa, comprised the market basket of services. Instruction, administration, support, and transportation cost components comprised …

Factors Contributing To The Successful Completion Of The Haitian Baccalaureat (Part I) And Their Administrative Implications, Serge E. Vernet

Dissertations

The Haitian baccalaureat is a difficult centralized state examination. Every year the percentage of students who pass this examination varies from 20 to 30 percent. There was a need for systematic research of the predominant factors which determine success in the Haitian baccalaureat.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not selected factors were related to success in the baccalaureat. Three hundred and sixteen graduates in the baccalaureat for the 1984-85 school year, 150 Rhetorique Teachers, and forty principals served as subjects in this study. The data came from the official records of the National Department of …

A Study Of Gordon Klopf: Bank Street Distinguished Specialist In Leadership Development, Fredda Pravitz

Graduate Student Independent Studies

A study is made of Gordon J. Klopf, the educator, focusing on the years that he has been at Bank Street. His approach, method and style of working with adult learners are examined, from the time he left Teacher's College in the 1960's to come to work at Bank Street. The role that he played in developing various programs is discussed as well as the effect that his teaching has had on the personal and professional development of educational staff at all levels. A professional biographical statement is included as an appendix.

School Leadership And Change: Bank Street Graduates And Their Approaches To Change Within Public, Independent, And Alternative School Settings, Susan Vaughan Mcclintic

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Follows three principals who are graduates of Bank Street College of Education's leadership program.

A Survey On Censorship In Missouri Secondary Schools, Janie Hutchinson Walker

Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine by a general survey the extent of censorship in Missouri secondary schools. This survey was intended to obtain information regarding districts selection policies, policies pertaining to censorship procedures, actual incidence of censorship cases, titles found objectionable, and reasons for objections. It was also intended to elicit individual librarians' opinions regarding censorship cases in their school district and on contributing to a statewide newsletter on issues pertinent to censorship.

In this study, surveys were sent to a random sampling of 106 of the 546 school districts listed in the 1983-84 Missouri School Directory. …

Interactive Pharmacological And Behavioral Management Of A Hyperactive Attention Deficit Disordered Child In An Elective Pharmacy Clerkship, John W. Hill, Dick R. Gourley

Educational Leadership Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

The principles of behavior analysis and basic behavioral definitions were utilized by clinical pharmacy students within an interdisciplinary setting to recognize and reinforce the spontaneously occurring on-task desirable behaviors of an 8-year-old hyperactive, attention deficit disordered child. Data gathered by pharmacy students from a case study under supervision of their preceptors, a clinical pharmacist, and a special educator, facilitated the physician's decision to reduce the medication for the child as behavioral intervention was implemented at home and school. Findings indicated that while the subject was taking psychostimulant medication, often recommended for children with hyperactive behaviors, the drug alone did not …

Ua37/30/2 Wku Research Notecards - H Topics, Lowell Harrison

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Notecards created by Lowell Harrison while researching his book Western Kentucky University. The cards transcribed are for 108 topics beginning with H ranging from Hail Storm to Hundred Club.

Educational Poll Of Public Attitudes Regarding Decatur School District #61, David Ford Curtis

Masters Theses

Public opinion regarding the schools in Decatur Public School District #61 is addressed in this field experience. The study focuses on a comparison of local public opinion to national public opinion.

The questionnaire for the telephone survey was developed by selecting 11 questions from the 1982 Gallup education poll and adding a question regarding merit pay for teachers.

The local telephone survey included a random sampling from the Decatur, Illinois telephone directory of 200 residents living within Decatur Public School District #61. Each respondent was placed into three subgroups--parent or non-parent, age level, and highest level of formal education received. …

Administrative Field Experience, Office Of The Superintendent, Atwood-Hammond Community Unit School District No. 39, Atwood, Illinois, James E. Morgan

Masters Theses

Since the major role of superintendent of schools is to be the liaison between the board of education/community and the faculty, it is important to understand the philosophy of each group. Research reveals that the superintendent is the pivotal person in public relations for all parties involved with the schools. The superintendent relays board policy to the district employees and has the responsibility of explaining these policies to the community. One interesting factor determining the responsibilities of the superintendent is school size. In small schools the focus is directly upon the superintendent of schools, but in larger schools the superintendent …

Policies And Procedures On The Use Of Corporal Punishment In The Clay, Jasper, And Richland Educational Service Region, Clifford E. Jones

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine policies and procedures on the use of corporal punishment in public schools. Specifically, this study reviewed current literature, statute law, court decisions, agency regulations, and research to develop sound recommended policies and procedures on possible use of corporal punishment in schools. Furthermore, a needs assessment was conducted of the six public school districts in the Clay, Jasper, and Richland Educational Service Region to ascertain current policies and procedures.

A review of literature and research revealed only minimal information regarding recommended policies and procedures for physical punishment. Therefore, the field experience involved, to …

A Study To Determine The Extent Of A Justification For A Building Bond Referendum In Mt. Zion, Illinois, Robert Herrmann

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study was to determine the extent of a justification for a bond referendum that would provide the funds for additional facilities for the Mt. Zion High School. This study is concerned with the action taken to achieve that goal.

An overview of the community's history with regard to education was relevant to understanding the importance of education in this community. The problem that faced the community was overcrowded facilities and lack of updated curriculum. A growth in population was addressed in terms of its impact on the educational facilities at the high school.

This field …

An Analysis Of The Effects Of The New Discipline Policy Of Danville School District 118, Danville, Illinois, Robert M. Thomas

Masters Theses

Most educators will agree that a good sound discipline policy is a necessity for a school environment in which learning can take place most effectively. Education cannot proceed effectively without good, consistent discipline.

The Public Schools of Danville have had a discipline policy for many years. After many years of updating and revising, a new policy was approved by the Board of Education. This policy entitled "Ownership in Education'' was implemented in the fall of 1982.

The researcher investigated this new policy through an administrator/teacher survey, a review and assessment of the extent of student removal from class due to …

A Revision Of The Board Policy Handbook For Cowden-Herrick High School District #188, David F. Walle

Masters Theses

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this field experience is to revise and update the policy handbook for the Board of Education at Cowden-Herrick High School District #188. The handbook currently available is unorganized, contains outdated policies, and is not utilized at board meetings. Thus, it is anticipated that the results of this study will aid the board members in their capacity as decision makers, and further strengthen the foundation upon which the educational program of the district is based.

Procedure

While this field study is specifically directed toward the policies of Cowden-Herrick High School District #188, the writer believes …

The Future Of Equipment Repair In School Media Centers In Central Illinois, Connie Peters

Masters Theses

This project concerned repair of equipment in school media centers. A survey was designed and distributed to area media specialists and administrators.

The author found that media specialists, in general, view repair as a coming fact of life -- something of a necessity for the future. On the other hand, some administrators said that they didn't want their media specialists involved in repair work. The author's recommendations included:

1. Media specialists, increasingly, need to have at least minimal skills in maintenance and repair of equipment.
2. In order to acquire these skills, school districts will need to A. provide workshops (training), and …

The Design And Implementation Of A Middle School Summer Program: A Guide, Graham J. Hume

All Graduate Projects

At the Annual Administrator's Retreat in August of 1982, the new Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Dr. Robert Whitehead, asked the middle school vice principals what they felt was needed in the way of new programs or changes in current ones to improve the present curriculum. Several suggestions were presented in the areas of attendance, discipline, and accountability of students. Two assignments were given, one to prepare a Saturday School proposal and the other to identify and establish a need for a summer school program that would be designed to meet the needs of fifth through eighth· grade students.

The following …

The Development Of A Substitute Teacher Handbook For Paris High School, Paris, Illinois, Lois M. Kloker

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to devise a handbook for the substitute teachers of Paris High School, Paris, Illinois. The handbook was designed to aid the substitute teacher in carrying out the duties necessary for the continuity of the educational process during the absence of the regular teacher. A data base was formed from several sources. Valuable, but limited, information was derived from professional journals. Input was received from the substitute teachers of Paris through a questionnaire; from the superintendent, the principal and the faculty through interviews; from the Paris Union School District No. 95 Policy Manual; and from …

A Proposal For The Implementation Of A Quality Circle Program At Cumberland High School, Joseph A. Ciaccio

Masters Theses

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this study was to implement a participative management program at Cumberland High School in Toledo, Illinois. The researcher, who had been principal at the school for five years, believed that participative management may be a solution to what he perceived as problems within the school. These problems included low teacher morale, below average student achievement, and a lack of open communication between individual teachers and administrators. In addition, teacher gains in effectiveness and productivity as based on formal teacher evaluation reports, were minimal.

The Quality Circle participative management approach, as reviewed in literature, seemed …

Teachers' Perceptions Of School Effectiveness Factors In The Stewardson-Strasburg School District, Edward Lee Allen

Masters Theses

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this field study was to determine how the Stewardson-Strasburg schools in Stewardson, Illinois, would do when assessed on school effectiveness factors. As high school principal for the district since 1982, the researcher saw the need for a systematic means of receiving teacher input regarding their perceptions of how well the district measured up on school effectiveness factors. The researcher viewed teacher perceptions of the district's school effectiveness factors as a useful starting point for commencing what will be an ongoing study for improving the quality of education in the Stewardson-Strasburg public schools.

Procedure

The …

Needs Assessment Model For Microcomputer Utilization By Public School Systems, Michael W. Throneburg

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to prepare a needs assessment for development of administrative and instructional programs using the microcomputer at Paris High School in Paris, Illinois. It was hypothesized that this study might serve as a model for other school districts wishing to establish microcomputer programs.

A Microcomputer Survey Questionnaire was developed to gain information concerning the current status of microcomputer utilization throughout the Educational Service Region 11 of East-Central Illinois. This information proved valuable in helping to determine what was "actually'' taking place in area school districts regarding microcomputer utilization.

In addition, a review of the current …

A Study Of Finances Of Community Unit District #3, Georgetown, Illinois For The Years 1977 To 1983, Richard Eugene Wilson

Masters Theses

Accounting, funding procurement, and budgeting are described for Georgetown Community Unit District #3. Information for this paper was gathered primarily by examination of district financial records and interviews with district, county, and state educational employees.

State and federal funds provide approximately 73% of revenues of about $3,000,000 since Georgetown has one of the lowest equalized assessed valuations per pupil in the state. Almost $1,800,000 was spent by Community Unit District #3 on capital outlay from 1977 to 1983. Somewhat more than one-fourth of the capital outlay was financed by paying almost all building and maintenance expenditures and salaries from the …