A time of transition to shared decision making in a small Texas community : one principal's impact /
Using the qualitative methodology of naturalistic inquiry,
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1995.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=741212921&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Using the qualitative methodology of naturalistic inquiry, the transitional experiences of a novice principal and her faculty on a small, Texas, rural junior high school campus are chronicled in a case study which encompasses a period of approximately 26 months. The researcher observed team building experiences, decision-making forums, and the professional habits in the school. Semi structured interviews provided additional data from district administrators, the junior high school principal, teachers, students, parents and some community members. Using the constant comparative method to discover themes grounded in the data, the researcher collected information and developed categories concerning teachers' perceptions of the principal, principal's reflection on the progress toward shared decision making, teachers perceptions of their success, and perceptions of the success at the junior high school. The state of Texas mandated shared decision making and this study asks: What is really happening on this campus when teachers and the principal begin to share the governance? Although the campus never involved the parents in decisions of personnel, curriculum, and budget, the data support the following answer: A principal facilitated the development of an integrated, autonomous learning organization of empowered decision makers. The transition was characterized by increased cohesiveness, increased learning on all levels (which included students, teachers, the principal, and consultants) increased autonomy, and increased integration of scheduled time segments, content areas, and school responsibilities. The principal facilitated the transition by establishing a positive working environment, building professional and personal relationships, and planning decision making forums. Overall conclusions, implications, and areas for future research are included. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Educational Administration". |
| Physical Description: | ix, 236 leaves ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |