School Improvement and Contextual Factors: A Qualitative Case Study on Educators’ Perceptions and Experiences

Abstract

The present study focuses on the exploration of the perceptions and experiences of school administrators (principals and vice-principals) and teachers regarding school improvement and influencing contextual factors. Designed as case study research, this study utilized data gathered from school principals, vice-principals, and teachers from various school levels in the fall semester of 2019-2020 academic year. The researcher collected data in a graduate-level course offered in a master's program without a thesis at a large state university in Southeastern Turkey through course assignments. Delving into school improvement perceptions and experiences from the eyes of three different groups of practitioners offered significant insights into contextual factors, namely hindrances to and enablers of school improvement, along with the steps to be taken at the praxis level and certain external factors. The results of the research might indicate that both issues related to the human side of school improvement such as the behaviors, practices, and attitudes of school staff, students and parents and the structural side like physical characteristics, budget, education system, and socioeconomic status of school environment have impacts on school improvement. These factors are likely to govern school improvement efforts and outcomes.

Quality of Planning Practices in Early Childhood Education Centres in Ghana: Directors’ Perspectives and Experiences

“…The findings reveal a discrepancy with the assertions of Kalman (2020), highlighting that many ECCD centres are not effectively utilising monitoring and evaluation tools. This points to a crucial need for better implementation of these processes.…”

“…This research article stems from the lead author's PhD thesis, examining ECCD directors' management practices in five municipalities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. It offers a literature review on quality planning practices in ECCD The vision statement is fundamental in a school's improvement efforts, providing a vivid depiction of the institution's desired future state (Kalman, 2020;Meyer et al, 2023). Serving as a guiding beacon, it aids stakeholders in understanding the purpose and direction of improvement initiatives (VanGronigen et al, 2023).…”

“…Monitoring and evaluation are crucial for effective school improvement planning, enabling progress tracking, intervention assessment, and accountability. Kalman (2020) highlights directors' role in identifying strengths and weaknesses for informed decision-making and resource allocation. Koh et al (2023) and Garcia and Cerado (2020) emphasize systematic evaluation to enhance improvement initiatives by identifying best practices and areas for refinement.…”

Knowledge Management Practices and Teaching Effectiveness of Public Elementary Teachersin Davao Del Norte Division

“…It was emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing among educators. He posited that to achieve continuous improvement in teaching methods, knowledge management practices fostering a culture of shared learning and innovation are indispensable [29].…”

Revealing the Educational Message in Surah Al Fatihah

“…From time-to-time improvements to the world of education continue to be made. People cannot deny that there have been many aspects of education that have improved (Kalman, 2020;Lydia et al, 2021;Scheerens, 2013). Even though there is still a lot that is not perfect, people can consider that reasonable because everything does need a process to take shape as expected.…”