Consolidation and reorganization of schools and school districts in the United States from 1993 to 2012: an examination of the influence of state policies and laws on educational restructuring
Citation & Export
Hide
Simple citation
Kerrigan, Steven M..
Consolidation and reorganization of schools and school districts in the United States from 1993 to 2012: an examination of the influence of state policies and laws on educational restructuring. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-hgbx-9g37Export
Description
TitleConsolidation and reorganization of schools and school districts in the United States from 1993 to 2012: an examination of the influence of state policies and laws on educational restructuring
Date Created2019
Other Date2019-05 (degree)
Extent1 online resource (vii, 182 pages) : illustrations
DescriptionThe current study seeks to identify a possible connection between the consolidation and reorganization of public school districts and schools and state-level legislation throughout the United States from 1993 through 2012. A mixed methods approach was utilized. Quantitative analysis of statewide public school district data identified states exhibiting downward trends in total numbers of schools and districts while enrollment increased or remained consistent. Nine Downward Trending States (DTS) were identified: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, and South Carolina. Specific terms were used to search state legislature websites of the DTS to identify legislative actions potentially connected to consolidation and reorganization. Search terms utilized were: public schools, districts, consolidation, reorganization, funding, taxes, facilities, enrollment, construction, cost, and transportation. Major findings include 138 legislative actions potentially connected to consolidation and reorganization in these states. Qualitative analysis of the identified materials classified all legislative actions into one of three categories based upon how these actions pertained to districts and schools from financial, procedural, and structural standpoints. Few bills were passed into law and this study found no authentic connection between state legislation and public education consolidation and reorganization. Recommendations for further study include analysis of state-level historical/political actions in DTS, examination of changes in local politics, changes in population, changes in industry, etc. in towns, municipalities, and counties in relation to school and district consolidation and reorganization, and analysis of student performance in DTS during the 1993-2012 time of consolidation and reorganization.
NoteEd.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
LanguageEnglish
CollectionGraduate School of Education Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
Statistical Profile