Date of Award

2005

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which charter school legislation affected Indiana public schools; in other words, the competition that public schools face from charter schools. It distinguished the methods used by public elementary schools to enhance the marketability of their school. The study measured the level of concern that principals perceived from charter schools. Finally, it measured the principals' level of knowledge of the Indiana Charter School Law. The principals responded that their schools have implemented 424 activities, programs, or services in response to Indiana charter school legislation. Almost two-thirds (63%) of the elementary principals responding to the survey agreed that a charter school started in their school district would create competition for the traditional schools in the district. The analysis from this study presents some significant findings. The statistically significant results are as follows: (1) Principals with a positive perception of charter schools were likely to have implemented a programming activity in response to charter school legislation. (2) Principals with a positive perception of charter schools were likely to have implemented a group activity in response to charter school legislation. (3) Principals with a positive perception of charter schools were likely to have implemented a parent group in response to charter school legislation. (4) Principals who live in a suburban area and are aware of Indiana charter school legislation are likely to have started before/after school programs in response to charter school legislation. (5) Principals in suburban areas with a heightened awareness of charter schools, a positive perception of charter schools, and a significant amount of students receiving free or reduced lunch are statistically significantly (.033) likely to have implemented before and after school programs in response to charter school legislation. (6) Principals, who lived in a rural area, had a positive perception of charter schools, and had a high awareness of Indiana charter school legislation, were statistically significantly likely to have implemented programming as a result of charter school legislation. (7) Principals residing in rural areas with positive perceptions of charter schools have implemented programming, groups, and one and two way communication in response to Indiana charter school legislation. (8) Principals who live in rural areas and are significantly aware of Indiana charter school legislation are likely to have implemented recognition awards in response to Indiana charter school legislation. (9) Principals residing in urban areas and who were aware of Indiana charter school legislation are likely to have implemented group activities in their schools. (10) Socioeconomic status and principals' perceptions were significantly correlated.

Download

Share

COinS