Defense Date

6-21-2007

Graduation Date

Summer 1-1-2008

Availability

Worldwide Access

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

EdD

Department

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program for Education Leaders (IDPEL)

School

School of Education

Committee Chair

Connie M. Moss

Committee Member

Gary Shank

Committee Member

Lee Beaton

Keywords

implementing change, sustaining change, teacher development, team building

Abstract

The concept of year-round education is not new. Year-round education (YRE) has an established foundation in the history of education. Research is available on the history, costs, achievement, discipline, calendars, and attendance in YRE. This study investigated the perceptions of taproot teachers in a rural agrarian Delaware school district. Two questions drove the investigation: 1) What character traits are demonstrated by taproot teachers? 2) How do the identified traits sustain and influence a year-round educational program? Qualitative data were gathered from interviews with two teachers and the principal currently working in a year-round school. The teachers were identified by their principal, as emulating character traits reflective of a taproot teacher. Results found identified five characteristics demonstrated by the teachers and observed by the principal. 1) Student learning is the responsibility of the teacher. 2) Collegiality fosters student success. 3) Teachers pursuing the vision strive for success. 4) Teacher planning nourishes innovative and coordinated actions. 5) Facing change together is seen as a challenge and embodies hope.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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