Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1987

Thesis Director

David E. Bartz

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the perceptions of graduates from Eastern Illinois University’s Educational Administration program as to how effective their preparation was in preparing them for the role as instructional/educational leader.

A survey was developed and distributed to 214 Educational Administration students who graduated between 1982 and 1986. The data collected was broken down into three different categories to study: Female and Male Graduates, Teacher and Administrative Graduates and Graduates before 1983 and after 1985. A response rate of 42% was obtained.

An independent t test was utilized to compare the mean scores for the Foundations and Required courses for M.S. in Education for each of the three sub groups studied. It was found that:

1. Foundations courses were not perceived as useful for preparing administrators for the role of educational leadership.

2. EDA 5410, School Law, EDA 5870, Personnel Administration and EDA 5640, Administration and Supervision of the Secondary School were rated the most useful in preparing administrators for their role as educational leaders.

3. EDA 5900, Introduction to Research, was considered the least useful in preparing administrators for educational leadership, but still considered a useful course.

4. While no females are members of the Department of Educational Administration, no significant differences could be noted that might indicate a difference in female’s perceptions of the program. In some cases, the female graduates rated courses higher than their male counterparts.

5. Staff changes in the department have not altered the perceptions of graduates of the program.

6. Perceptions of teachers who have had little or no experience as administrative instructional leaders did not view the program differently than administrators who were currently dealing with educational leadership issues and House Bill 730 as it affects the administrator’s role.

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