Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
EdD Program in Organizational Leadership
Advisor
Geraldine Pasquerella
Committee Member
Stephen Siplet
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
block scheduling, classroom instructional methods, curriculum restructuring, instructional methods, leadership development, mentorship, organizational climate, organizational learning, professional development, secondary education, staff development, teacher education, teacher mentors, teacher training, Theodore High School, THS, workshop development
Abstract
This applied dissertation was designed to provide a developmental model of staff development for Theodore High School. Currently, the school employs the block scheduling format, and has failed to provide teacher with training in instructional methods most appropriate for the restructured curriculum. It was initially discovered that several teachers did not know how to use various instructional methods better suited for block scheduling. This project explores using a teacher mentorship program as a part of staff development to increase the use of instructional methods in the block scheduling curriculum format. The teachers will be trained in various block scheduling methods and promote this learning throughout the organization to increase the knowledgebase of the organization as a whole.
The writer developed a workshop, handbook, and mentoring session documents to train teachers and prospective mentors in classroom instructional methods better suited for block scheduling. The training included a workshop, meeting sessions, and continuous professional development of teacher mentors who served as leaders at Theodore High School. All teacher participants were evaluated in pre and post staff development to determine the effectiveness of this methodology. The results of this study indicated that the program was effective in developing leadership skills in teachers at THS. The program was also successful at developing organizational learning and having a positive effect on the climate of the organization.