Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Gregory R. Ulm

Second Advisor

Robert L. Boyd

Third Advisor

Noble R. Corey

Abstract

School accountability is of paramount importance today in education. The pressure for accountability comes from both state and national levels. Improving student performance has become a top p1io1ity for the school superintendent who searches for the most productive model with the most effective strategics for improving student achievement. The purpose of this study was to detennine the differences in perception of Indiana public school superintendents as to the reason for their school districts adoption of a particular school improvement model. The Indiana Department of Education recognizes four improvement models. Indiana schools districts have the choice to choose which model they feel best fits their students' needs. Indiana public school superintendents were surveyed and responded to their perceptions as to the reasons their districts chose a particular school improvement modeI and to the perceptions they had as .to the importance of the components of an improvement model. A 27-statement survey was sent to all 293 Indiana public school superintendents. There were 149 surveys (51 %) returned from the original mailing. A second mailing produced 44 surveys (31 %) returned. Of the total 293 surveys sent, 193 surveys (66%) were returned. In total, 188 surveys (64%) were used for the analysis. There were five surveys not used due to invalid responses or a lack of knowledge concerning the model their school district was using. As a result of the analysis, a significant finding was superintendent responses on the Baldrige model, the NCA CASI model, and other models did not differ on the importance of external peer review. Superintendents agreed all models were cost effective. Although there exists differences between the models, superintendents in all models agreed improving student achievement was a reason for the adoption of a particular model. They all agreed it was important for the model to be aligned with Indiana Public Law 221 and No Child Left Behind.

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