Understanding site-based administration and teacher development
Date
1999
Authors
Davidoff, Barry William
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1999
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to construct a framework for understanding leadership and
its effect on teacher development. Current restructuring initiatives being imposed by the
Province, School Division and community stakeholders appear to require educational
leaders with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to promote site-based decision-making as
a means to facilitate change. This study attempts to examine the nature ofleadership
style, its affects on school culture, and its effects on the personal and professional lives of
teachers.
Two hypotheses guided this study. Regarding the first, it has been demonstrated that the
conscious and unconscious actions ofleaders directly affect the culture ofthe school.
These can be described in part using terms and constructs from anthropological research.
In reference to the second hypothesis, this study offers some descriptions of how social
interactions and school administration affect the personal and professional lives of
teachers. The study was conducted under the assumption that teacher development is a
process of personal development, where behaviors and beliefs are closely linked together.
While many administrators may believe that transformational cultures create the most
effective means for facilitating personal and professional development, it is the conclusion
ofthis researcher that the administrators in this study have adhered to transactional
orientations and generally have an observable dependency on 'canned' solutions to
complex problems.
Description
viii, 113 leaves ; 28 cm. --
Keywords
School management and organization -- Alberta -- Decision making , School management and organization , Teacher-administrator relationships , Leadership , Teachers -- In-service training , High schools -- Administration , High schools -- Alberta -- Administration