Aspects affecting small rural schools

Roach, Lorne (2000) Aspects affecting small rural schools. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Over the years a variety of definitions have been developed in order to understand what constitutes a small rural school. -- However, the art of determining a definition of a small school is not easy. The lack of direction on the part of researchers in narrowing down an approach or definition intrigues me. It makes me wonder if government's present approach to designating schools as necessarily existent last year was also hit or miss. The following questions are of interest for me: -- What criteria was used to designate a school necessarily existent? Who decided on its designation? What part did schools play in its designation? What input did the school board have on its designation? What direction was given to schools and school boards from the Department of Education? What implications are there for the uniqueness of the school in the community it serves? What significance does the school serve in the community? -- For the past twelve years I have worked in small schools. Three of these schools are designated as necessarily existent. Twelve years ago I worked in a small school on the coast of Labrador for five months in a replacement position. I worked on an island in a necessarily existent small school for ten years. Presently, I am working in a larger, necessarily existent school in Central Newfoundland. Through this experience I have gained firsthand knowledge about the operation and running of a small school. Over the years I have seen many parent, school and community groups fight to keep their school. -- However, this recent designation of necessarily existent small schools makes me somewhat sceptical about the process involved and the criteria used for this designation. I need to understand how the process works because in the role of principal in such a school, it may be very important in obtaining adequate resources to offer the prescribed program. -- Two other key aspects of the small rural school also interest me: the dual role of being both a principal and teacher in these schools and the unique place that these schools serve in their communities. -- This paper folio will examine three key aspects of the small rural school: the designation of being small necessarily existent schools; the dual role of being both teacher and principal; and uniqueness of these schools in their community.

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