This study will be conducted in the following steps.
First, use SASS (School and Staff Survey) to measure the state teacher autonomy level across the 50 states in the US in the school year 2011-2012. (the dataset is updated every three years, the school year 2011-2012 is the most recent data).
Two dimensions and 12 items as below will be selected and measured.
1. The level of teachers’ control in their classroom in the following areas:
a. Selecting textbooks and other instructional materials
b. Selecting content, topics, and skills to be taught
c. Selecting teaching techniques
d. Evaluating and grading students
e. Disciplining students
f. Determining the amount of homework to be assigned.
2. Teachers perceived influence over school policy
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Categorize the four states’ educational code in the school year 2011-2012 in seven domains: school finance, school personnel training; student testing and assessment, school program definition, school organization and governance; curriculum materials and school buildings and facilities. Conduct discourse analysis of the educational codes and identify the dominating value and the values configuration in each state. The reason to use discourse analysis of state educational codes to identify state political values is because Marshall and her colleagues (1989) found that written educational codes would reflect the basic state core values for they represent the allocation of resources to preferred ends. (Heck, 2004). The reason to pick the seven domain is because Marshall, Mitchell and Wirt (1989) claimed that “these seven alternative state policy mechanisms or domains comprehensively differentiate among the basic themes or arenas for action. In addition, decisions in one domain tend to be made with little concern for those involving the other mechanisms. Moreover, within each of these seven domains they found that policy debates and decisions tend to focus on a relatively small number of competing approaches to the formulation of specific policies or programs.” This study will code each polices in the seven domains to identify …show more content…
Svensson, L.G. (2006) New Professionalism, Trust and Competence: some conceptual remarks and empirical data, Current Sociology, 54(4), 579-593. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0011392106065089
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Educational policies researcher Joel Spring (1996) discussed many arguments and historical background about various education topics found in the United States. For example, Spring tells us about the historical development of the Common Schools movement and the underlying groups—such as workingmen and political parties—that influenced the movement. In addition, Spring points out some of the implications the movement had on religious, ethnic, and multicultural groups. One particular idea that caught my attention was from the chapter entitled, “The Ideology and Politics of the Common School.” Indeed, my entire conceptual understanding of K-12 education had been predicated on the idea that high schools were part of the original conception of public
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The Kentucky Leadership Framework defines teacher leaders as those who “transform their classrooms, schools, and profession, activating teacher growth and achieving equity and excellence for students” (Kentucky Teacher Leadership Work Team, 2015, p. 4). Therefore, the definition of what it means to be a teacher leader can be found in a review of relevant literature; yet, their roles can be unclear within the schools (Angelle and Schmid, 2007). Jacobs, Gordon, and Solis (2016) point out that when “teacher-leaders’ roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined, misunderstanding, conflict, and resentment can result” (p. 399). In addition, a study of 672 participants revealed that teacher perceptions regarding teacher leadership can vary based on school grade configurations—elementary, middle, and high (Angelle and DeHart, 2011). According to Angelle and Schmidt (2007), “As we work to provide precision to the term teacher leadership, we look to widen the level of understanding of this critical component of school reform at all levels” (p.
The differences were connected with a teacher’s original preparation for the teaching profession, licensing in the particular subject area to be taught, strength of the educational experience, and the degree of experience in teaching along with the demonstration of abilities through the National Board Certification, in which all of these facets can be addressed through policy (Darling-Hammond, 2010).America has not produced a national method containing supports and reasons to guarantee that teachers’ are adequately prepared and equipped to teach all children effectively when they first enter into the career of teaching. America also does not have a vast collection of methods available that will maintain the evaluation and continuing development of a teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom, or support decisions about entry into the field of teaching and the continuance in the profession of teaching (Darling-Hammond, 2010). n order to reach the belief that all students will be taught and learn to high standards calls for a makeover in the methods our system of education in order to be a magnet for, train, support or uphold, and cultivate effective teachers in more efficient ways. A makeover that is contingent in a certain degree of how the abilities or skills are comprehended (Darling-Hammond, 2010).In the last few years there has been increasing
Facilitating a foundation in academic or philosophical pedagogy can help form a path for the educator, a path to better understanding teaching, education, learning and learners. Often, most of the programs designed for learners and the curriculum is often derived from theories. Understanding theories can help guide a teacher through their education journey. Sometimes, teachers may struggle with classroom organisation or implementing the curriculum in a considerate, all-encompassing and engaging way, especially if you are a CRT or Graduate Teacher - and often these concepts can help inspire and encourage teachers. To be an empowered teacher means your classroom and students will be empowered learners, and that is the best type of learning. There are many theories that have contributed to education as a body and has many of these theories help educational departments plan curriculums to benefit not only teachers but also all students. What makes for a great teacher is considering the characteristics of the local community as well involving students’ families’ in the school body. Influences that help shape a teacher’s identity can include…
The education system in America has a long history of struggle and change, as we have grown as a nation we have experienced an ever-increasing rise in diversity. This diversity has caused rigidities between groups and all stratus of society and has been a major impact in debates concerning the educational opportunities in America.
Legally, one can argue that the state has jurisdiction, but the Department of Education has a great influence over the decision to adhere to its’ demands. Through funding, “the Department of Education has a significant amount of control over public education” (Underwood, n. d., p. 5). Aside from writing curriculum's using state and district standards, our curriculum's must now incorporate the common core standards. Our curricular, methods of teaching, and resources must be modified to address the common core standards, state standard, and district standards or one risks losing
In 1983, A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform was released. Regarded as a landmark event in American educational history, the report was scathing in its critique of America’s public education system. For many, it was proof of an already growing sentiment – America’s public education system was failing its people. In the aftermath of the report, a movement emerged. The concept of school choice, of returning the decision as to how and where a child was to be educated to the parent, burst onto the national scene. While school choice had a number of vocal supporters, a sizeable contingent arose in opposition. Over time, the topic became contentious and the battle moved to the courtroom. As lawyer Clint Bolick, a veteran of school
In Rereading America an excerpt by Michael Moore entitled “Idiot Nation” focuses on the collapsing educational system in the United States of America. Moore brings to light his view on the failures of the educational system and the lack of financing that has been caused from the top of the food chain. Politicians as well as American corporations contribute to the decline in education according to Moore. He attempts to give the reader a clear picture of where America places the importance of educational funding. He follows-up with detailed examples on what districts and schools resort to in order to gain financial support for their programs. Moore is quick to point out the irony of politics and education in America
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As an old saying goes in China, “He who teaches me for one day is my father for life.” Being a teacher is one of the most respected careers in China. Teachers play a vital role and take on the heavy responsibility to take care of their students since the very first day of school. Therefore, most students in schools rely heavily on their teachers, and this results in a lack of autonomy on their study.
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“A ‘What’s the problem?’ approach insists that it is crucial to reflect upon the representations offered by both those who describe something as a problem and by those who deny an issue problem status. Its purpose is to create a space to consider competing constructions of issues addressed in the policy process, and the ways in which these constructions leave other issues untouched.” (Bacchi, 1999, pg. 4)
METHOD The study is descriptive, qualitative research on teachers as they attempted to meet new standards. Specifically it is a case study of an elementary school faculty, done in an attempt to
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