Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
EdD Program for Educational Leaders
Advisor
John Reynolds
Committee Member
Don Lueder
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
academic research, building design, Charles F. Kettering Ltd., construction, development, diagnostic aides, educational planning, educators, facilities planning, high schools, historical perspective, Kershaw County, middle schools, model development, new schools, North Central Middle School, operational guides, organizational processes, parents, physical plants, practical applications, public education, school buildings, school climate, school climate profile, school construction, school development, school facilities, school operations, school principals, South Carolina, staff, students, surveys, templates
Abstract
This applied dissertation was designed to provide a practical model for building a new school. The basis for this model was the author’s experience as a public school principal with the responsibility of opening a new school. The context of this paper involved the initiation of organizational and operational processes for systems and structures associated with a new school. This model utilized recollections and recommendations of an experienced practitioner and might be considered a combination of a diagnostic aide and operational guide. This work may provide a practical model for the development, design, construction, and initial operation of a new school. While the construction of the physical plant received significant attention, other aspects of the school development processes were addressed. An academic research orientation was central to the initial work; but the academic context was directly related to practical application. Public education in South Carolina at the turn of the twenty-first century provided a premise perspective for the author.
A survey was administered as a part of the study to determine if the age of a school facility had a significant influence on the perceptions of school climate held by students, staff, and parents of the school. This was an important component of the outcome of the study and was intended to show the impact a new school facility has on the clientele it serves. North Central Middle School in Kershaw County, South Carolina, was the target for the survey. Subjects entering the new middle school were previously housed in four elementary schools and a 7-12 high school facility, and moved from these schools into the new middle school in August 2002. Subjects were asked to complete an adapted version of the Charles F. Kettering Ltd. School Climate Profile, a school climate survey, prior to leaving the old buildings, and again after they had entered the new building. Baseline or pre-move data were collected in April 2002. Post-move data were collected in October 2002. Results of the survey indicated that during the first year in a new school facility, the perceptions of school climate by students, staff members, and parents were positively influenced.
The purpose of the study was to provide a guide in the form of a model or template for educators who have the responsibility of opening a new school. However, the limitations of the study must be considered. The context of the model was politically, financially, and operationally limited to Kershaw County, South Carolina. Although the study provided a historical perspective of new school construction and the history of school facilities, this model was limited to the past two years. The model was not all-inclusive, but was provided to assist and guide those responsible in opening a new school.