ERIC Number: ED337874
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1991-Sep-5
Reference Count: N/A
Conversations on School Restructuring in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Buttram, Joan L.
Focus groups are planned each year to gather regional needs assessment information on school restructuring as part of the Research for Better Schools (RBS) planning process. In spring 1991, RBS staff gathered rich, contextual data from five focus group discussions held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Newark, New Jersey; the District of Columbia; Denton, Maryland; and State College, Pennsylvania. The methodology section provides information on the selection of participants (N=27), development of stimuli, conduct of focus group sessions, and procedure of focus group discussions. Three major themes were addressed, starting with student outcomes. Issues included the points that children can learn, they need to learn to work cooperatively, they need to learn to learn, and they need to develop a sense of self-worth. The second theme concerned the changes needed to achieve identified student outcomes. Developing a vision, expanding the curriculum, grouping students and teachers, modifying school calendars and day, and changing the roles of educators and school personnel are among the issues discussed. The final theme involved the types of assistance needed to help achieve student outcomes. This included promoting communications among educators about schooling, providing technical assistance, and conducting research and assistance in grant writing. Conclusions and implications are discussed. (RR)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Research for Better Schools, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.