WEST FALLS HIGH SCHOOL: A MODEL OF CHANGE: CHANGES WHICH HAVE OCCURRED AT WEST FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, WEST FALLS, PENNSYLVANIA, 1971-1981 AS PERCEIVED BY SCHOOL PRACTITIONERS
Abstract
My research examines and describes changes which had occurred from 1971 to 1981 in the culture of a middle class suburban high school from the perspective of a sample of staff members and to explore the role of the principal and his leadership style in effecting the changes.^ The methodology used was a case study approach from an ethnographic perspective. The data were generated from taped interviews of twelve staff members who had been part of the change process.^ The study assumed the approach whereby if the practitioners articulated their perceptions of the changes in their own high school culture prior to and including the years 1974 to 1981, a view would emerge of organizational climate measured by reported behavior as well as an understanding of the leadership qualities responsible for effecting change and maintaining the climate. Since a school is a "small society," the descriptive data resulting from a study of West Falls High School could have implications for other American high schools undergoing similar changes.^ A review of the events as perceived by those staff members involved in the changes is substantiated by the following conclusions: (1) The natives of the culture (school staff) must perceive a need for change. (2) The educational hierarchy of the school must likewise sense the need for change. (3) An authority figure vested with the power to direct a change must be present. (4) The leader directly responsible for effecting change must foster a sense of loyalty in those subordinates most affected by the change.^
Subject Area
Education, Administration
Recommended Citation
LOUISE WILSON MCCANN,
"WEST FALLS HIGH SCHOOL: A MODEL OF CHANGE: CHANGES WHICH HAVE OCCURRED AT WEST FALLS HIGH SCHOOL, WEST FALLS, PENNSYLVANIA, 1971-1981 AS PERCEIVED BY SCHOOL PRACTITIONERS"
(January 1, 1983).
Dissertations available from ProQuest.
Paper AAI8318168.
http://repository.upenn.edu/dissertations/AAI8318168