Factors which describe a propensity for change in Tennessee schools and a test of a change model
Date Issued
December 1, 1981
Author(s)
Allen, Lawrence Woodrow
Advisor(s)
Charles M. Achilles
Additional Advisor(s)
Robert Howard
Gerald Ubben
David Welborn
Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a set of factors which described a propensity for change in Tennessee schools and to test a change model. Elements studied included communications contacts in the form of personal, telephone, and mail; financial factors and demographic factors. The change model tested was that described by Achilles and Norman. It combines the communications theory as a prime determinant of change. Research had shown that change tends to be a person-driven process and requires personal contact to be completed. In addition to personal contact as an operational mode, two factors, local resources and district size, were used to predict a school district s propensity for change. The study used data generated by the Tennessee Statewide Facilitator Project (TSFP) during the 1977-1978 school year. Procedures. The entire population of Tennessee school districts was used for the study. All districts were classified as either adopters or nonadopters of National Diffusion Network (NDN) programs. Based upon the classification of either adopter or nonadopter, data were collected and analyzed regarding communications, finances, and demographics. Comparisons between adopters and nonadopters were made. m iv Data were also collected to study the relationship between the school districts and TSFP staff to determine the nature of communica tions impact on the change process. Comparisons were made between adopters, nonadopters and members of Public Schools for Cooperative Research (PSCR), a school study council which was a co-sponsor of TSFP. Communications data were then used to determine if school districts proceeded through the steps described in the Achilles and Norman change model. Results. It was found that a larger proportion of revenues generated through local and county sources, an average daily atten dance of 10,000 or more and an average total expenditure above the state average were the three factors most descriptive of a propensity for change. Of the communications factors, membership in a group such as PSCR and personal contact were the most common descriptors of a propensity for change. It was found that adopters did progress through the steps of the Achilles and Norman change model and that the progression could be stimulated by more than one source.
Degree
Doctor of Education
Major
Educational Administration and Supervision
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Thesis81b.A519.pdf
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