Principals’ Perceptions of Independence Mission Schools in the Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Abstract

This study is a contribution to a new model of Catholic education that has emerged in the Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, USA in the past eight years. The primary purpose of the research was to understand the experiences and perceptions of principals of the establishment and 'mission' of Independence Mission Schools (IMS) in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The study was approached qualitatively and designed as a case study. Using a sample of nine IMS principals, data was collected through interviews and analyzed thematically. The study found that there is great value for Catholic education. The study also unearthed that the principals of these institutions have deep understanding of the mission and vision of the IMS including the following: That the IMS system provides a model of Catholic education, a viable alternative to other private and public education providers; provides holistic education for the poor, ensures continuity in Catholic education, provides safe, caring, and supportive environment for students. The study further discovered that the Principals adopt different strategies to accomplish the mission and vision of IMS. Additionally, IMS impacts positively on students' lives. However, limited finance, teacher turnovers, operation of schools as businesses have been challenging to the Principals' effective management of the IMS schools. The principals nonetheless have positive perceptions of IMS's future. At the same time, the principals expressed concerns about the sustainability of the IMS network. To ensure the sustainability of the IMS vision and mission, the Principals, during the study, recommended that more financial resources should be obtained, remunerations of teachers should be increased, Catholic identity should be kept in schools, improve competitive advantage, encourage good relationships, and constantly revisit the network's mandate. The study has important implications for stakeholders. Stakeholders can use the findings of the study to meet the critical needs of the IMS network. Since the study was limited to only nine principals, it is recommended that a further research may be carried out to take into account the perceptions of other key actors in the IMS network such as teachers, students, parents and board members. That way a deeper understanding of the establishment mission of the IMS might be gained.