Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1988

Thesis Director

Larry Janes

Abstract

The purpose of this field study is to develop a school improvement model for use at Enterprise Elementary School, District #61 in Decatur, Illinois based on effective schools research. There has been a slow, steady change in the student population of this school in the past twenty years. The influx of hard to educate children, combined with the loss of some services, such as Chapter I, required that staff adjust teaching practices to maintain the high level of achievement that past test results have indicated. Because of the increased awareness of effective schools research and an increasing demand for school improvement by the general public, programs utilizing effective schools research are multiplying dramatically. A number of districts, intent on long-range improvement, have designed and implemented programs based on effective schools research. Preliminary indications from the research completed from these districts report successes and continuing progress. An update on effective school research has been made available in District 61. This field experience drew from the available research to develop a school improvement program for Enterprise School. Effective schools research has become one of the most talked about phenomenon in education. If a few schools can serve children well, then other schools can too, if the practices and characteristics of exemplary schools can be adopted. School improvement is complicated by the problems involved in change. Characteristics of an exemplary school can be determined but only if these characteristics can be implemented in other schools can improvement be effected. This implementation requires change. The community must set its sights on an excellent school. The curriculum must be considered, but the professional staff must also be committed to providing excellent learning experiences for children and be professionally equipped to act on this commitment. The school improvement effort presented in this field study was designed to accrue benefits for all students. Essential elements of an effective school: school climate, curriculum, instruction, coordination of supportive services, evaluation, and parent and community support were all included in the plan.

Download

Share

COinS