Date

Spring 4-22-2024

ESRP 9000 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Mentoring Initiatives to Increase Accountability in an Inner-City School District. Veronica Reddick Jones, 2024: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: accountability, mentoring, professional development, collaboration, communication, reflective practices

This strategic research project was designed to provide a strategy for increasing accountability measures in an inner-city school district. Accountability measures are structured to promote enhancements in educational institutions by ensuring that schools are responsible for the academic achievements of their students. The mission of the Dougherty County School System is to fulfill the educational requirements of its students by offering rigorous and pertinent educational experiences that equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in life. Upon conducting an assessment of the internal and external factors utilizing a SWOT analysis, it was discovered that the key challenge confronting DCSS revolved around the necessity for consistent accountability measures. Through a detailed analysis of the relevant literature, professional development opportunities emerged as the selected solution among four alternatives. The impact of each alternative was meticulously evaluated to determine the most appropriate course of action among the options considered. Asynchronous learning and mentoring initiatives were the two strategies selected to implement this solution. After a comprehensive evaluation of its attractiveness in relation to internal and external factors, mentoring initiatives emerged as the most favorable strategy with a total attractiveness score (TAS) of 5.37. This selection was made using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) tool. A comprehensive action plan was formulated, delineating the necessary steps to successfully execute this strategic approach. These steps include, (a) selecting mentors and mentees, (b) completing a needs assessment, (c) identifying evidence-based strategies, (d) implementing the mentoring initiative, and (e) monitoring the process.

The literature review presented compelling evidence in favor of adopting a mentoring initiative; however, a notable challenge highlighted for its implementation was the resistance to change among district staff, particularly when it comes to the introduction of new programs. Therefore, it is highly recommended that committee members incorporate a detailed plan, outlining specifics to successfully introduce the mentoring initiative to the district staff. The conclusions drawn from the literature reviewed for this strategic research project present a robust rationale for supporting the implementation of this recommendation as multiple action steps are executed within the Dougherty County School System.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Educational Leadership

Language

English

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