Year
1994
Paper Type
Doctoral Dissertation
College
College of Education and Human Services
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Charles Galloway
Second Advisor
Dr. Katherine M. Kasten
Third Advisor
Dr. Henry Thomas
Abstract
The Florida Legislature responded to the national call for education reform by passing four statutes in 1991, referred to as Blueprint 2000. One intent of the legislation was to encourage change in schools through local community involvement in School Advisory Councils (SAC). The SAC, composed of parents, community members, teachers, and students was responsible for guiding the school through the process of school improvement.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of the SAC in the implementation of Florida school improvement initiatives. The study was designed to identify local factors affecting the interpretation of policy and to develop understanding of the members of the SACs defined their roles.
Four elementary schools in Duval County, Florida, were selected for study. A case study approach over one year was used to gather data from written materials, participant observation, and interviews. The data were analyzed to develop understanding of the roles of the SAC from the participants' perspectives.
Findings indicated that SACs were fulfilling their basic responsibilities as outlined in the legislation. Evidence showed that no decision was entirely site based and the extent of the SAC's influence was greater than intended. Members' perceptions of influence to implement change may be more potent than the actual authority given to the SAC by law.
Suggested Citation
French, Paige Vereen, "The Roles of School Advisory Councils in School Improvement: A Case Study in Policy Interpretation" (1994). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 165.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/165