African American students are disproportionately underachieving in public elementary schools (National Center for Education Statistics, 2003). School staff and school leaders need to understand why an achievement gap still exists between the White and the African American students on their campuses (Kafele, 2009; Noguera, 2003; Denbo, 2002; Ferguson, 2001). A few schools have made a significant difference in school achievement for students of color and researchers and educators need to identify what these schools are doing differently to promote student success, especially for African American students (Chenoweth, 2009; Carter, 2000; Reyes, Scribner, & Scribner, 1999). The purpose of this study was to identify the practices that are in place at a diverse school where African American students have increased achievement. The study took a holistic look at one diverse elementary school in order to highlight the practices that assisted in the school’s success with African American students and their achievement. The research questions for this study are: 1. What practices are in place at a diverse school where African American students have increased achievement? 2. What policies are in place at a diverse school where African American students have increased achievement? The framework for the study is based on Samuel Casey Carter’s Study of 21 High-Performing, High-Poverty Schools. The methodology for this study used qualitative research guidelines, was ethnographic in nature, and used a single-case study approach. The data was gathered through observations, interviews, focus groups, and analysis of documental data. The findings for effective practices include: Supportive Leadership, Implementing Change, Staff Development, Distributive Leadership, Departmentalization, School-Wide Programs, Student Resources, Teacher Resources, Communication, and Planning and Teaming. The findings for effective policies include: Open Door Policy, Student Placement, Site-Based Decision Making Committee, Parent-Teacher Organization, and Grading. The conclusions are that policies and practices must be in place for schools to run effectively and increase achievement. The specific practices and policies that appear to support African American students may be beneficial to campuses with similar backgrounds or demographics. Schools that embrace practices and policies, such as these are in a better position to enhance the achievement for all African American students. / text

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This study was undertaken in five (5) farm schools in the Maquassi Hills Area Project Office (APO) with the intention to assess whether the School Management Teams (SMT's) are given necessary guidance to deal with health and well-being of schools. The Constitution of South Africa stipulates that human values (dignity, freedom and equality) form the most important challenges that condone and maintain that a safe and discipline environment should be created for effective teaching and learning. Focus group interviews were conducted to gather information which was relevant to the study. The findings show that SMT's of farm schools have problems with the managerial tasks as well as the functional tasks of schools' daily activities. The researcher infers that both the landowners and the DoE must ensure that electricity and water is provided where contractual agreements exist, as power affects the usage of visual aids and administering school businesses. The Department of Education (DoE) has no legal structure within which farm schools should operate to guarantee equal educational opportunities, and create a positive disciplined schools where learners and educators not only know what is expected, but feel secure. The officials who are responsible for the dispatch of learning support materials (LSM) hold the SMT's back in assigning duties to the educators because of lack of LSM. The study shows that the official seem to be ignorant of basic education to farm school learners, and how the DoE manages farm schools, reflects how it still clanged to the red-tape of funding farm schools. Other essentials like water and phones are not given attention to communicate problems that need immediate attention like illness, danger or accident. Learners still have to travel long distances which is a safety thread. The researcher eludes that it is in the interest of the landowners and the DoE that the conditions that prevail on farm schools should not impede with the work of the SMT's. The landowners and the DoE should come to a consensus in making the school environment for SMT's inviting. The DoE through school-based support teams from Area Project Office (APO) should support SMT's and guide them in managerial tasks. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

During the past four decades researchers note that educational institutions fail to “connect” with minority students (e.g. Clark, 1983; Coelho, 1998; Dei, 1994; Duffy, 2003; Ogbu, 1978, 1991). Carr and Klassen (1996) define this lack of “connection” primarily as teachers’ disregard for each student’s culture as it relates to race, and thus, his or her achievement potential. Hence, this disregard encourages minority students to question their ability to be successful. Dei (1994), furthermore, shows a tremendous disconnectedness from schools and education systems being felt by Black students. Few studies give voice to specific groups of Black female high school graduates who opt out of pursuing higher education. I interviewed four Black Guyanese immigrant women to: (a) investigate their reasons and expectations when immigrating to Canada, (b) identify what influenced their decision not to pursue postsecondary education, (c) explore their definitions of success, and (d) investigate how/if their notions of success relate to obtaining postsecondary education in Canada. Critical Race Theory (CRT) was employed in this study to: (a) provide a better understanding of the participants’ classroom dynamics governed by relationships with their teachers, guidance counsellors and school administrators, (b) examine educational outcomes governed by personal and educational relationships and experiences, and (c) provide conceptual tools in the investigation of colour-blindness (Parker & Roberts, 2005) that is disguised in Canadian education, immigration, and other government policies. To support my investigation, I used CRT to guide the research design, modes of documentation, and the process of analysis. It is hoped that my findings and analysis enriches the academy and society by communicating why there is a scarcity of Black Guyanese immigrant women in Canadian postsecondary institutions, making recommendations, to increase their participation in higher education. This study communicates the experiences of four Black Guyanese immigrant women in Canada. It does not intend to make generalizations about the experiences of all Black Guyanese immigrant women in Canada. / Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-27 11:29:04.43

This study was undertaken in five (5) farm schools in the Maquassi Hills Area Project Office (APO) with the intention to assess whether the School Management Teams (SMT's) are given necessary guidance to deal with health and well-being of schools. The Constitution of South Africa stipulates that human values (dignity, freedom and equality) form the most important challenges that condone and maintain that a safe and discipline environment should be created for effective teaching and learning. Focus group interviews were conducted to gather information which was relevant to the study. The findings show that SMT's of farm schools have problems with the managerial tasks as well as the functional tasks of schools' daily activities. The researcher infers that both the landowners and the DoE must ensure that electricity and water is provided where contractual agreements exist, as power affects the usage of visual aids and administering school businesses. The Department of Education (DoE) has no legal structure within which farm schools should operate to guarantee equal educational opportunities, and create a positive disciplined schools where learners and educators not only know what is expected, but feel secure. The officials who are responsible for the dispatch of learning support materials (LSM) hold the SMT's back in assigning duties to the educators because of lack of LSM. The study shows that the official seem to be ignorant of basic education to farm school learners, and how the DoE manages farm schools, reflects how it still clanged to the red-tape of funding farm schools. Other essentials like water and phones are not given attention to communicate problems that need immediate attention like illness, danger or accident. Learners still have to travel long distances which is a safety thread. The researcher eludes that it is in the interest of the landowners and the DoE that the conditions that prevail on farm schools should not impede with the work of the SMT's. The landowners and the DoE should come to a consensus in making the school environment for SMT's inviting. The DoE through school-based support teams from Area Project Office (APO) should support SMT's and guide them in managerial tasks. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

During the past number of years the press in Namibia has been regularly publishing reports linking educators to some unacceptable conduct. The apparent increase in the frequency of educator misconduct coupled with relevant research in education law prompted this research to be carried out. Recent research shows that good labour relations promote mutual respect between employer and employee. In education, the good labour relations help to promote the achievement of the national goals on education. The aim of this research was to determine the nature and frequency of educator misconduct in public or government schools in Namibia. The research was also conducted to establish the extent to which educator misconduct affected learning and teaching in the schools as well as the effects on the well-being of the learners and other stakeholders in education. It was also aimed in this research to analyse the respective roles of those individuals, organisations or bodies, such as teacher unions, who are responsible for the management of educator misconduct. The findings from the review of policy documents, text books, journal articles and newspaper articles and the empirical research pointed out a high frequency of educator misconduct. Participants recommended that the supervisors and the employers have to do much more to curb the upsurge of educator misconduct. Educator misconduct was blamed for harmful effects to the learning and teaching of learners, as well as the wellbeing of other stakeholders. The research revealed that legislation plays an important role in the management of educator misconduct. Being consistent with the guidelines from legislation, jurisprudence and the common law regarding management of educator misconduct was established to be essential to ensure fairness to both learners and educators. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

During the past number of years the press in Namibia has been regularly publishing reports linking educators to some unacceptable conduct. The apparent increase in the frequency of educator misconduct coupled with relevant research in education law prompted this research to be carried out. Recent research shows that good labour relations promote mutual respect between employer and employee. In education, the good labour relations help to promote the achievement of the national goals on education. The aim of this research was to determine the nature and frequency of educator misconduct in public or government schools in Namibia. The research was also conducted to establish the extent to which educator misconduct affected learning and teaching in the schools as well as the effects on the well-being of the learners and other stakeholders in education. It was also aimed in this research to analyse the respective roles of those individuals, organisations or bodies, such as teacher unions, who are responsible for the management of educator misconduct. The findings from the review of policy documents, text books, journal articles and newspaper articles and the empirical research pointed out a high frequency of educator misconduct. Participants recommended that the supervisors and the employers have to do much more to curb the upsurge of educator misconduct. Educator misconduct was blamed for harmful effects to the learning and teaching of learners, as well as the wellbeing of other stakeholders. The research revealed that legislation plays an important role in the management of educator misconduct. Being consistent with the guidelines from legislation, jurisprudence and the common law regarding management of educator misconduct was established to be essential to ensure fairness to both learners and educators. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 393-410). / Microfiche. / 2 v. (410 leaves), bound 29 cm

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