The lead teacher model : a case study

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Celia B. Hunter Dickerson (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Charles M. Achilles

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to describe, via case study method, the Lead Teacher model in place in a North Carolina high school, know as Alpha County High School (ACHS). Given special legislative authority, ACHS developed the model from a description in the Carnegie report, A Nation Prepared. The ACHS model has the two goals 1) professionalizing the work environment and 2) improving student opportunities and outcomes. The researcher observed on the ACHS campus for 32 days over a six-month period, collecting data in the form of observation, interviews, and archival measures. From the data collected, the researcher delineated five central issues that have characterized the ACHS Lead Teacher model. They are: "culture" of the school, change, leadership, professionalizing the environment, and increasing student opportunities and outcomes. The ACHS model features a committee of elected teachers and the principal meeting weekly to decide on matters of budget, curriculum, and less often, personnel. Information flows from teacher to the Lead Teachers to the principal and back again. The most profound change the Lead Teachers have made is an alternate-day schedule for curriculum. Students take more courses and must earn more credits for graduation. ACHS staff have, through the Lead Teachers, increased responsibilities and opportunities for students. By all measures in the ACHS accountability model, student performance (outcomes) is improved since 1987, the beginning year of the Lead Teacher model. Most participants in the study credit the increased student performance to increased teacher autonomy in decision-making via the Lead Teacher model.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1991
Subjects
High schools $z North Carolina $x Curricula
High school teachers $z North Carolina
High school principals $z North Carolina
Teacher-principal relationships
Education $z North Carolina $x Curricula

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