ERIC Number: EJ978288
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Aug-15
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1099-839X
EISSN: N/A
The Influence of Local Politics on Educational Decisions
Bigham, Gary; Ray, Jan
Current Issues in Education, v15 n2 Aug 2012
This ex post facto, causal-comparative research study examined student reading performance data within a school district before and after a school district-wide decision to alter the reading curriculum in response to local political pressure from parents. Data analysis revealed that test scores dropped to a significantly lower level, especially for students who were economically disadvantaged, after the reading curriculum was altered. This study underscores the importance of making data-driven, rather than politically-influenced, decisions related to pedagogy, curriculum, instruction, and assessment by educational leaders. (Contains 2 tables and 6 figures.)
Descriptors: Reading Achievement, Economically Disadvantaged, School Districts, Data Analysis, Reading Improvement, Politics of Education, Political Influences, Local Issues, Educational Change, Parent Influence, Achievement Gains, Pretests Posttests, Reading Programs, Policy Analysis, School Administration, School Effectiveness, Racial Differences, Interviews, Student Records
Arizona State University, Mary Lou Fulton Institute and Graduate School of Education. Deans Office, P.O. Box 870211 Payne 108, Tempe, AZ 85287. Tel: 480-965-3306; Fax: 480-965-6231; e-mail: cie@asu.edu; Web site: http://cie.asu.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A