ERIC Number: ED546067
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 161
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-2675-8744-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
An Exploration of How Elementary School Principals Approach the Student Retention Decision Process
Martinez-Hicks, Laura M.
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, The George Washington University
This is a constructivist grounded theory study investigating how elementary principals approach the student retention decision process in their schools. Twenty-two elementary principals participated in the study using a selective or snowball sampling method. Principals worked in one of three districts in a mid-Atlantic state and had experience as educators ranging from 15 to 45 years. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews lasting between 60 and 90 minutes over a 4-month period. Student retention documents and handouts collected during interviews provided supporting evidence for how principals approach the student retention decision process. Participants answered follow up questions to clarify holes in the data and ensure that the researcher fully understood what participants were sharing. Results indicated that elementary principals' beliefs and experiences inform how they approach student retention decisions. Principals had strong beliefs about the time of the retention, the number of retentions, case-by-case decisions, targeted instruction, and parental involvement. These themes developed an emerging theory to explain how elementary principals approach student retention decisions. From these themes, four major factors influenced elementary principals' decisions during the student retention process. Personal beliefs and experiences, student developmental levels, data and assessments, and parental supports greatly influenced how principals approach the student retention decision process in their schools. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Principals, Decision Making, Grade Repetition, Constructivism (Learning), Grounded Theory, Elementary Schools, Semi Structured Interviews, Student Records, Administrator Attitudes, Beliefs, Parent Participation
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A