A study of the administration and organization of extracurricular programming in an Alberta school jurisdiction

Matthews, Paul Francis (1980) A study of the administration and organization of extracurricular programming in an Alberta school jurisdiction. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The purpose of this internship was to study the organization and administration of extracurricular programming in an Alberta school setting, with the view of obtaining insights particularly useful to development of extracurricular programs in Newfoundland schools. To achieve this goal, a school district comparable in several respects to those in many areas of Newfoundland was selected. Administrators, teachers, students' council members, and board personnel comprised the investigative sample. Those techniques of data collection utilized were focused interviews, limited interaction observations, and document analysis. Findings were collated and reported under the major areas of concern to extracurricular programming identified in the literature review. -- Major findings and conclusions drawn from the internship included: -- 1. The principal occupies a crucial position within the organizational framework of each school. -- 2. There is no articulated board philosophy or policy regarding extracurricular programming. -- 3. A large portion of extracurricular programs is comprised of varsity and intramural sports. -- 4. Total teacher and administrator participation in extracurricular programs can be accomplished, and can be effective in improving student participation as well as teacher supervision and evaluation. -- 5. Teacher sponsorship is totally voluntary and sufficient numbers of teacher sponsors can be obtained. -- 6. Accurate records of student participation levels are not generally kept. -- 7. Student busing is a major factor limiting student participation in extracurricular activities in the junior high schools, resulting in overloading of facilities--especially during noon hour. -- 8. Student union fees seem to be an excellent and equitable method of obtaining funds for extracurricular activities. -- The study advanced the following recommendations: -- 1. The divergent approaches to extracurricular programming observed among the schools studied suggest possible advantages of board-level direction. -- 2. Students' councils should play a definite role in all aspects of extracurricular organization. -- 3. Contributions to extracurricular activities should be a consideration when determining teacher workloads. -- 4. Relevant inservice training should be provided to those staff members who feel inadequately qualified to sponsor activities. -- 5. An examination of the varsity programs should be conducted in light of educational returns for funds expended in this area. -- 6. School boards should consider the development of a policy regarding school ownership of buses.

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