Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

1999

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

EdD

College

College of Education and Human Services

Department

Learning Sciences and Human Development

Committee Chair

Phyllis C. Durden.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of school improvement council members of 1999, and compare them to a similar study performed in 1994. This study reflected the speed at which LSIC's are becoming reform agents. A questionnaire was used with a stratified random sampling based on student enrollment. Chi square analysis, standard deviations, means, and percentages were used to identify and compare the data. The questions researched were: (1) What activities do the school improvement council members feel are worthwhile? (2) How involved are SIC's in local decision-making? (3) How have the activities of the SIC contributed to improving their schools? (4) What are the most frequently listed contributions made by SIC's? (5) What do SIC members perceive as problems hindering their effectiveness? (6) Do demographic factors influence SIC activities? (7) How do the results of this survey differ from a similar one completed in 1994? Findings Included: (1) SIC's encourage parental involvement about the same as 1994. (2) Parents and students have more decision-making input than before. (3) The most frequently reported SIC activities remain encouragement of school volunteer programs and after hours community use of school facilities. (4) Results indicated an increase in the development of mentorship programs. (5) SIC's continue to mostly ignore applying for or obtaining waivers. (6) Facility/safety improvements continue to be the major accomplishment listed by SIC's but student oriented programs was listed second. (7) Group harmony continues to be the major strength listed by SIC members. (8) Lack of interest continues to be the major weakness listed by SIC members. (9) A sizeable increase was reflected in applications for "School of Excellence" awards.;School improvement council members are still in dire need of training. Though their attention was mainly focused on facility improvements, this study revealed a beginning emphasis towards student oriented programs. Efforts at school reform through site-based management reflected some improvement for parents and students being involved in the decision-making process. Service personnel exhibited a minor increase in decision-making opportunities but exhibited a significant increase in improved performance.

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