A case study of a rural elementary school's partnership with faith-based organizations
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Pocahontas F. Noland (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Carl Lashley
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to analyze partnerships of a public elementary school among faith-based organizations. Research methodology consisted of an in-depth case study of a public elementary school and its partnerships among faith-based organizations in a rural community in North Carolina. All members of the clergy of the faith-based organizations, the principal of the school, members of the School Improvement Team, members of the Missions Committee, director of the tutoring program for English Language Learners, the English as a Second Language teacher, teachers in the school, volunteers, and parents of English Language Learners were interviewed as part of this qualitative study. Results of the study showed that the public elementary school enjoys a strong partnership with the congregations located in the school's neighborhood. The data analysis revealed that the partnerships are influenced by the legal, political, and ethical dimensions of American society and the culture of a rural community. Interpretation of the data also revealed that one of the outcomes of the building of social capital in the school's families and students is increased parent involvement in the school setting. This was true especially in the case of the English Language Learners' families. Families believe that the school is a safe, nurturing learning environment for their children and that the teachers care about their students. Other significant findings are the need for the School Improvement Team to address and identify a strong teacher-leader to serve as a liaison between the school and local congregations. The School Improvement Team also needs to recruit parent representatives to serve from the Asian and Latino communities. There is also a need for the school and partnership leaders to examine the feasibility of implementing an after school tutoring program for students who score a Level I or II on their End-of-Grade tests. Additionally, the knowledge gained from this study will be used to help other public schools implement partnerships with faith-based organizations.
A case study of a rural elementary school's partnership with faith-based organizations
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Created on 8/1/2011
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2011
- Keywords
- Faith-based organizations, Partnerships, Partnerships between schools and religious organizations, Principal leadership, Religious organizations, Rural communities
- Subjects
- Religion in the public schools $z North Carolina $v Case studies
- Church and education $z North Carolina $v Case studies