A study examining the need for an improved educational administrative structure for Inuit communities

Flynn, Barry (1996) A study examining the need for an improved educational administrative structure for Inuit communities. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This qualitative study was done because it was perceived that the Newfoundland and Labrador Education System is failing to meet the needs of the Labrador Inuit. The primary aim of the study was to determine if the way in which the Labrador East Integrated School Board was structured and administered was a contributing factor to this problem. -- The study included thirty-two participants from five sample groups. The groups included: Inuit parents, administrators from the Labrador East Integrated School Board, employees of the Labrador Inuit Association, Inuit teachers and non-Inuit teachers. Participants, except for the administrators, were randomly selected. Data was collected using a questionnaire. The questions were open-ended and broadly stated. -- Analysis of data was a form of analytical induction described by Wilcox (1982). Responses were translated, when necessary, and entered in a computer program to automate the clerical aspects of the analytical process. Using the Ethnograph program, data was organized and read carefully to identify emerging themes. Redundancies in the data were removed. Similarities and differences among the responses of the sample groups were identified and grouped together. The data was examined for evidence of matches and mismatches between various sample groups. The survey data was then related to theoretical constructs considered important to educational administration. -- Administration theory proposed by Hargreaves (1994), Greenfield (1996) and Sergiovanni and Corbally (1984) formed the basis for the conceptual development framework. The findings of the survey data were examined in relation to theoretical constructs, thereby relating theory to practice. -- The finding indicated that the way in which the Labrador East Integrated School Board is structured and administered is a contributing factor to education problems of the Labrador Inuit. The findings also show that the Inuit do not perceive the education system the way administrators do. The Inuit perceive the system as much less effective and valuable. -- Recommendations for practice focussed on the need for more meaningful participation of the Inuit in the formal education system. The Inuit have to become more involved in the decision-making process. Findings also show that the present system must be made more accommodating to Inuit culture and values.

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