Using EPAS in school improvement: Illinois Township High School District 214: Case study

This study aims to identify the practice of the learning organization in improving teachers competence. The learning organization run as a guideline for teachers in order to enhance the teachers' spirit in learning. The model used in this learning organization is the Fifth Discipline. It is consist of personal skills, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and system thinking. The Fifth Discipline was developed as a model that can provide a new input for the teachers so that they can learning continue to improve their competency. The method used in this study was mixed methode between quantitative and qualitative methods. This study was conducted at the Junior High School district Sidenreng Rappang South Sulawesi with a total of 500 teachers as samples. The findings of the analysis performed by using SPSS 18.0 indicates that there is a significant correlation (r = .341, p <.05) between the practice of the learning organization and the teachers competency. This analysis indicates that the null hypothesis (Ho) in this study was rejected. This shows that the independent variables of learning organization (X) and the dependent variable of teachers competency (Y) has a positive relationship to improve teacher competence at the Junior High School district Sidenreng Rappang South Sulawesi Indonesia.

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Teachers’ Beliefs about Poverty and the Impact on Learning Disabilities Identification in a Poor, Rural School District

The Rural Educator ◽

10.35608/ruraled.v35i3.347 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Renee Chandler

Keyword(s):

School District ◽

School Improvement ◽

Rural School ◽

Rural Setting ◽

High Poverty ◽

Rural School District ◽

Discrepancy Model ◽

Teachers Beliefs ◽

The Impact

This qualitative case study examined a rural school district where many of the students live in poverty. The purpose of the study was to develop a deeper understanding of the learning disability (LD) identification process as implemented in a high-poverty rural setting. Analysis of the data revealed the prevalence of some stereotypical beliefs regarding poverty. In addition, the findings revealed use of a traditional, Intelligence Quotient (IQ)-Achievement discrepancy model rather than Response to Intervention (RTI). Furthermore, participants conveyed that their deliberations do not typically include the legally required consideration that other factors (such as poverty) may be the primary reason that the student is struggling. Recommendations include providing educational activities to challenge stereotypical beliefs about people living in poverty, considering socioeconomic reform in discussions about school improvement, supporting teachers in their efforts to meet the needs of all students in their classrooms, and implementing assessment methods designed to help students receive the assistance needed as early as possible.

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