Research in Educational Policy and Management (E-Journal)
Not a member yet
129 research outputs found
Sort by
Impact of School Calendar on Academic Performance: A Comparative Study of the Year-Round and Traditional Calendars
Full text linkEducational provisions enacted at the national level impact states by requiring a priority on improving the academic performance of students. Leaders in educational settings strive to implement changes that will aid in closing achievement gaps and increase academic achievement. The goal of this quantitative study was to determine if differences exist on fifth grade students’ performance on reading and mathematics assessments between schools on full-year calendars and schools on traditional 9-month calendars for years 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019. Although statistically significant differences were not found, results inform decision-making pertinent to time allocated for student learning. Results can be considered by district and campus administrators to support and encourage initiatives which focus on designated instructional time to target students’ academic needs
Reimaging Local Control, Local Democracy, and Local Engagement in Education: How Rural Education Policy in a Metro Centric State Alienated Its Residents
Full text linkThis paper examines two case studies as examples of how an Urbannormative State policy implementation for education reform in rural areas altered and de established trust in state government reforms. By specifically examining two rural community’s efforts to ensure local control in the face of state policy implementation practices, the paper finds that rural areas have over 70 years of concrete evidence that their values are often subjugated to state reform plans which stress efficiency and effectiveness. Using archival evidence, these case studies present under studied, and little-known events which have shaped relationships between the State and its residents. The paper finishes with a re-evaluation of implementation theory and posits an updated theory that includes local stakeholders influences beyond the previous model of focus on government officials
Factors that Influence School Choice: A Look at Parents’ and School Leaders’ Perceptions
Full text linkSchool choice is a growing movement, and public school districts are faced with the challenge of preventing declines in student enrollment. In response, school districts must work to retain enrolled students and at the same time, attract new students. This qualitative study focused on developing an understanding of the factors that influence parents’ decisions to enroll their child(ren) in a chosen school, that is, a school which differs from that assigned to the student, also known as school choice. This case study examined data from the perspectives and experiences of parents and public school district leaders. Results suggest that school leaders need to ensure they build good relationships with parents and keep a positive school culture where customer service is valued and held to the highest standards. In essence, school leaders must maintain strong partnerships with their families to attract and retain student enrollment. The results from this study equip school leaders with valuable information for strategic planning to address declines in student enrollment
The Effects of a Professional Development Program for Technology Integrated Algebra Teaching
Full text linkThis study examined technological pedagogical content knowledge change of middle school mathematics teachers who participated in a professional development program designed to integrate technology into teaching algebra. Twenty-eight middle school teachers from 20 different schools participated in the study. The data collection tools were technological pedagogical content knowledge survey, reflective journals, lesson plans, and program evaluation forms. The data analysis showed that the participants’ technological pedagogical content knowledge increased significantly. In addition, participants wrote lesson plans that included effective use of technology to teach algebra contents. The positive effects of the professional development program seem to be related to the following components of the program: the usability of the program activities in middle school classrooms, program’s focus on using technology in teaching algebra, the introduction of new technological tools and software related to mathematics, and the interactive nature of the program
Content Analysis of Entrepreneurship Education in Primary and Secondary School Textbooks
Full text linkTextbooks are the main source of teaching-learning materials used in primary and secondary schools. This study was carried out in Bhutan to examine if the existing textbooks in primary and secondary schools contain sufficient knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship education. This descriptive study collected 96 textbooks used by students and teachers in classes Pre-Primary (PP) to XII. The reviewers identified descriptions about entrepreneurship if any in the content and the pedagogical aspects. The content included the meaning of entrepreneurship, characteristics, student activity and images on entrepreneurship. The study revealed that entrepreneurship education is not thoroughly integrated into primary and secondary school textbooks. Three (3.1%) out of 96 textbooks contained descriptions about entrepreneurship. The study, therefore, recommends existing textbook contents and images on entrepreneurship education to be improved and experiential learning opportunities be included. Ministry of Education and the Royal Education Council needs to review and revise classes PP-XII existing school textbooks at various levels. Integrate entrepreneurship education-related topics in the existing textbooks of primary and secondary schools based on the current labour market needs. However, Media Information Literacy, Environmental Science, and Agriculture for Food Security textbooks were not analyzed since many schools did not offer these elective subjects due to no or poor ability rating for higher education admission in Bhutan
Book Review: Democracy, Schooling and Political Education
Full text linkThis paper reviews the book Democracy, Schooling and Political Education, written by Colin Wringe (published in 2012 by Routledge, first ed. in 1984, 126 p.). Although, the book was written in the last quarter of the 20th century towards the end of the cold war period, it is highly up-to-date in terms of the topic it covers. Wringe’s work addresses the teachers and other professionals in education, and also all who are interested in relationship between education and democracy, without a strong background in the field
State, Citizens and Education in the Ottoman Empire: Civic Education Curriculum in the Early 20th Century
Full text linkIn Ottoman Empire, reform movements that started in the Tanzimat [Reorganization] period gained momentum in the 2nd Meşrutiyet [Constitutional Monarchy] Era and its aftermath. Education, which is a structure that cannot be isolated from the society and related educational institutions, also underwent change and transformation as a result of the reform movements. Tedrisat-ı İbtidaiye Kanun-ı Muvakkati [Primary Education Transitional Law] brought along a series of innovations in education. During this period, an educational approach based on Usul-i Cedid [New Method] was adopted, and thus, education became free and compulsory while education was divided into 3 levels, the duration of which was 6 years. This research was carried out to analyse how the Musâhabât-ı Ahlâkiyye [Conversations on Morality] course was reflected in the 1913 Ottoman curriculum, and to determine what objectives, themes and values were aimed to be taught to students monthly and weekly during the first, second and third educational periods [Devre-i Ûla, Devre-i Mutasavvıta, Devre-i Aliye respectively] within the scope of this course. In this study designed in qualitative research design, historical research method was preferred. The data of the research were obtained by document analysis technique and literature review. The obtained findings were organized in such a form to serve the purpose of the study and analyzed by content analysis method
Let me Fly Abroad: Student Migrations in the Context of Nepal
Full text linkStudent migration has been increasing over recent years in Nepal. The increasing numbers of students leave the country to the developed countries for their higher education with the hope of getting practical skills and knowledge and other valuable experiences to enhance their future carrier. This paper intends to explore the motivation, aspirations, and excitements among international students while flying abroad to pursue their higher education from the developed countries. In doing so, we adopted a narrative inquiry assuming that the stories of student mobility and its outcome challenge the educational and employment aspirations of youth in Nepal. The aspirations among international students encourage them to fly abroad due to the expectation of handsome earning and pursuing a foreign degree. Moreover, this paper also highlights the motivation of prospective students and their desire to fly abroad for their academic journey
Responsiveness of Driving Curriculum Provision to Efficient Driving Training: Survey into Contemporary Driving Practices in Ethiopia
Full text linkThis research focused on investigating curricular efficiency in drivers’ training to ensure risk-free driving. Issues of concern were efficiency of the driving curriculum with respect to clarity in expected learning outcomes, pedagogic provisions and assessment. Interpretive research design was used to give shape to the data collection and analysis. Data were collected in the form of experiential and archival reflections. Accordingly, experiences in planning, implementing and assessing drivers’ training curricula and implementation strategies were looked into. Data were collected from seven institutions providing drivers’ training in Asella (n=3) and Adama (n=4) Towns of Ethiopia, selected through purposive sampling. The findings indicated that, the drivers’ training was largely based on a short-span provision which was far below the standard to ensure in-depth practices. The curricular materials lacked well-organized components with regard to clear statement of learning outcomes, organization of contents and skills, clarity in role-orientation, and depth in assessment. Moreover, the psychological consideration to individual differences among trainees, awareness about would-be customers and coping strategies for risks in time of accidents were less stressed. Though technical aspects of handling vehicles were well-grounded, awareness about the community with respect to road-safety was minimal. Team-works among concerned stakeholders to boost drivers’ understanding and skills were also non-existent
A Comparative Study of the 21st Century Afterschool Center on Education in Elementary Schools in South Texas
Full text linkThis quantitative study examines the relationship between implementation of the 21st Century Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program and fourth grade student performance on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Data was collected from public elementary schools in South Texas via the 2018-2019 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) published by Texas Education Agency (TEA) for each campus. The study applied a quantitative, ex-post facto research approach, which analyzed data from fourth grade students enrolled in elementary schools. Results indicated no significant differences in STAAR performance between those campuses, which implemented ACE, and those, which did not. Thus, the findings dictate a need for policymakers’ and school leaders’ attention to ensure that enrichment programs are implemented with fidelity and appropriately designed to deliberately effect increases in student learning. Future research may seek to determine more effective enrichment program approaches for students in low-performing, high-minority serving schools