Co-ordinating principals in Newfoundland and Labrador : with particular attention to the role in the Avalon North Integrated School District

Snow, Alexander Elijah (1980) Co-ordinating principals in Newfoundland and Labrador : with particular attention to the role in the Avalon North Integrated School District. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

One purpose of this study was to make a brief preliminary survey of the Co-ordinating Principals (CPS), their boards and school systems in Newfoundland and Labrador, and to examine the duties of CPS as listed in the by-laws of school boards. -- The main purpose was to examine the perceptions and expectations of various educational personnel in the Avalon North Integrated School District with respect to 37 stated duties of the Co-ordinating Principals listed under six specific areas--School-Community Relations, Curriculum and Instruction, Staff Personnel, Pupil Personnel, Physical Facilities and General Administration. Also examined with respect to CPS were hindrances to their work, distribution of their time, conflict areas and additional duties. -- For the preliminary survey an information sheet was used to gather data on CPS in Newfoundland and Labrador. This data was analyzed and presented in tabular form. Three questionnaires gathered information from educational personnel in the Avalon North Integrated School District concerning 37 stated duties of the CPS listed under six administrative areas. In the analysis of data, chi square was used to test inter-group percentage differences, using Yates' correction for continuity when the frequency was less than five. For inter-group weighted-score differences, one-way analysis of variance was used, followed by the Scheffé method of multiple comparison to test inter-group differences in mean scores. For intra-group percentage differences, the chi square analysis at the .05 level was used to test the differences. The data was discussed and presented in tabular form. -- In the preliminary survey the researcher found that there were no CPS in Labrador, that all school districts in Newfoundland had one or more CPS but that only 11 districts had CPS co-ordinating all their schools. Most schools not being co-ordinated were small all-grade, or primary or elementary schools in geographically remote areas, or in areas where the denomination operating the school was in a minority. -- In the detailed examination of the role of the CP in Avalon North, responses to the three questionnaires yielded statistically significant differences for both expectations and perceptions, and a majority of these differences involved responses from either principals or supervisors, or both. Also, statistically significant differences were found between perceptions and expectations. The average distribution of CPS time on three listed duties was 40 per cent teaching, 47 per cent administration of school and 13 per cent co-ordination of a school system. The two main hindrances were regular teaching duties and lack of clerical help. Two duties specified by the school board were perceived as not being performed by CPS--arranging high school entrance examinations, and initiating, encouraging, and fostering PTA organizations. Principals disagreed that CPS should decide on the closing of any school in the system.

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