Comprehensive School Improvement Mandates : The Challenge For Iowa's Small Schools
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Authors
Lane, Thomas N.
Issue Date
2004-03
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Small schools--Iowa , Educational law and legislation--Iowa , School improvement programs--Iowa--Law and legislation , Educational accountability--Lwa and legislation
Alternative Title
Abstract
The problem. The problem of this study was to describe how educators from Iowa's small
districts understood the intent of House File 2272 and how they implemented that
legislation. Further, this study sought recommendations from educators for legislators to consider in making future policy. This was one of seven studies of 2272 sponsored by the
FINE Foundation.
Procedures.
Qualitative methodology was selected for this study to gather contextual perspectives.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted, data transcribed and coded, and district
documents collected and reviewed. Site reports were provided to participant districts to
serve as a member check.
Findings.
Cross-site findings included; (1) while accepting the intent of increased
accountability, educators suspected legislative biases against small schools; (2) leadership provided the supports to facilitate successful implementation; (3) HF 2272 did not hinder community relations and perhaps enhanced them; (4)assessment became more
formalized and districts more data-driven; (5) barriers of time and money existed, but
change issues and teacher turnover were also formidable; (6) unintended consequences
included increased educator workloads, a narrowing of curriculum, and a perception that
policymakers disrespected educators; and (7) a call for greater voice for educators in
future policy decisions was heard.
Conclusions.
Conclusions drawn: (1) efforts prior to 2272 paved the way for successful implementation of that law, (2) central office leadership was key to implementation, (3) going beyond compliance required addressing barriers skillfully, (4) legislative intent and
suspected motive sent conflicting messages to educators, (5) adaptation was a way of life in small schools, and (6) policymakers must provide resources if deep reform is the goal. Recommendations. In the broadest terms, educators wanted legislators to understand that if the legislature was to reform education in Iowa, they had to first gain a significantly more refined understanding of schools and the governance of the system that they wish to change. As important, to make a convincing effort that their efforts were not just politically motivated, they had to show support for the reform effort.
Description
161 leaves
Citation
Publisher
Drake University