Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1997

Thesis Director

Larry Janes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the current knowledge of a random sampling of Illinois school district superintendents regarding the new Illinois Charter Schools Law. An additional purpose of this study was to ascertain the extent of the desire of a random sample of Illinois school district superintendents for inservice activities or further information about the same law.

A survey containing 12 charter school issues was developed by the author and was used to determine the extent of the knowledge and desire for further knowledge on the Illinois Charter Schools Law. A random sampling of 201 Illinois district superintendents was mailed the survey, and 160 responses were utilized in this study representing a response rate of 80%. The surveys were tabulated for average (mean) responses, as well as the most frequent (mode) responses.

Results revealed that Illinois superintendents had a good understanding of the intent of charter schools, but limited understanding of the specific issues in the new law. Results also showed a moderately low desire for further information or inservice at this time.

The survey information was disaggregated by regions of the state, district enrollment, district configuration, and regional identification. The surveys revealed only minor differences when disaggregated by regions of the state. More noticeable differences emerged when examining the scores by district enrollment with the larger school district superintendents generally scoring higher mean scores on knowledge and inservice desires.

Considering the results of the survey, several recommendations were made. Each Regional Office of Education (ROE) and Intermediate Service Center (ISC) should have a staff member trained about charter schools and the charter application process. The Illinois State Board of Education should disseminate additional information to potential charter sponsors about the start-up of charter schools and the many processes involved. The Illinois State Legislature should examine the current Charter Schools Law to see if it can be modified to further benefit schoolchildren in the state. A more comprehensive study of the superintendents' knowledge and desire for further information about the Illinois Charter Schools Law should be undertaken by either the Illinois State Board of Education or one of the state administrators' organizations.

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