ERIC Number: ED569106
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 195
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3038-7707-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
North Carolina Traditional Public School Principals' Perspectives about Charter Schools: A Qualitative Investigation
Eslinger Jones, Amy Susan
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Western Carolina University
The purpose of this research was to analyze North Carolina traditional public school principals' perspectives about and experiences with charter schools. A history of school choice in America was explored, as well as the changing role of public school principals. This dissertation presented a thorough review of the literature on school choice and charter schools in this country, specifically focusing on North Carolina. Principals across the state were interviewed about their concerns with charter schools, the strengths of charter schools, and how charter schools have influenced their decisions as school leaders. Interviews were transcribed and then coded for themes that would address the research questions. The majority of participants spoke of hostile parent and government attitudes toward traditional public schools. Principals found themselves competing with charter schools for students and marketing their schools and their offerings. Participants believed that charter schools created segregation and inequitable funding, as well as a playing field that was not level when it came to testing and teacher qualifications. Principals also acknowledged the lack of collaboration between their schools and charter schools in their districts. This research revealed that traditional public school principals were more concerned about funding and competing for students than they were about learning from charter schools for the purpose of school improvement. They were blind to innovative practices occurring in charter schools in their districts. On the other hand, data showed that charter schools in participants' districts were enrolling fewer economically disadvantaged students, a sub-group which typically does not perform well on tests. Research also revealed that charter schools in North Carolina have a history of financial mismanagement. This research could serve as vital information for policy makers when discussing future legislation and policies for charter schools in the state, and for district and school leaders determining whether or not competition or collaboration with charter schools is the right move. [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: Public Schools, Principals, Administrator Attitudes, Charter Schools, Qualitative Research, Traditional Schools, School Choice, Interviews, Educational Finance, Financial Support, Competition, Negative Attitudes, Student Recruitment, Institutional Cooperation
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: North Carolina
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A