Term of Award
Fall 2008
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies (Ed.D.)
Document Type and Release Option
Dissertation (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Department of Curriculum, Foundations, and Reading
Committee Chair
Dan W. Rea
Committee Member 1
Saundra Murray Nettles
Committee Member 2
Ming Fang He
Committee Member 3
Lorraine Gilpin
Abstract
This qualitative study seeks to understand how the multidimensional functioning of an urban high-poverty high-minority elementary school changed as it moved from failing school status to distinguished school status and to determine how school change promoted the organizational well-being of the school using a case study methodology. The multidimensional lenses used to view changes at Eagle included school purpose, culture, structure, leadership, organizational and professional learning, and teacher emotions. Using these lenses to view changes provides an explanation of not only how Eagle transitioned from failing school status to distinguished school status, but more importantly, how it has been able to sustain its success over a five year period and beyond. This case study provides essential elements that emerged to provide a clear picture of how one high-poverty, high-minority urban elementary school bridged the achievement gap between failing and distinguished school status. Findings from the study add to the body of literature about successful educational change in high-poverty highminority schools. This study has theoretical significance in that it embraces the concepts of educational change theory to understand organizational dynamics that may result in failing school status and positive school change. The study's holistic approach to examining educational change and school improvement suggests that schools serve a broader purpose than the cognitive focused demands of standardized tests.
Recommended Citation
Ross, Carla Brice, "Case Study of an Urban Elementary School's Transition from Failing to Distinguished School Status" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 496.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/496
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No