Effects of religious fundamentalist groups on curriculum in Texas public schools as perceived by superintendents /
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of religious fundamentalist groups on curriculum in Texas public schools as perceived by superintendents. Developed by the researcher, the study questionnaire was divided into three sections: general background data, 30 task statements, and an...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1996.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=743149041&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of religious fundamentalist groups on curriculum in Texas public schools as perceived by superintendents. Developed by the researcher, the study questionnaire was divided into three sections: general background data, 30 task statements, and an open-ended response section. The questionnaire was administered to 250 randomly selected superintendents in Texas public schools using a five-point Likert scale. Responses (80% return rate) were analyzed using the Statistical Application System (SAS) computer program at Texas A&M University. Most responding superintendents had 0-5 years as superintendent (40.9%), had remained in their present district 0-5 years (64.9%), had master's degrees (75%), had 20 or more years of experience in education (72.1%), and were predominantly male (86.5%). Important conclusions derived from analysis of the data included that superintendents in Texas public schools believed that the Religious Right was having an effect on curriculum in districts across the State of Texas but not in their own districts. There was a significant difference in the way superintendents in Central and East Texas compared to superintendents in the Panhandle, West Texas, and the Gulf Coast perceived the effects of the Religious Right in their districts. Years of experience as superintendent, education, and gender made little difference in the perceptions of the superintendents. The researcher recommended that superintendents in all districts become aware of the activities of the Religious Right through attendance at meetings for superintendents and reading the available literature on the activities and philosophy of the Religious Right. It was also recommended that superintendents form community-school partnerships in their districts and include representatives from the Religious Right and other groups in these decision-making groups. An important recommendation was that superintendents ensure that academics in their districts are educationally sound so that students receive the best education possible. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Educational Administration". |
| Physical Description: | xiii, 151 leaves ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |