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Schaefer Dissertation Final.pdf (662.54 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Measuring & Making Systems Change: Sensemaking of Teacher Leaders

Schaefer, Katherine A
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0796-7594
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1616253866255772

Abstract Details

2021, Doctor of Education, Miami University, Educational Leadership.
This dissertation sought to answer questions about the sensemaking processes of teacher leaders in a middle school that was part of a state-wide improvement process called the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP). The context of the research was a historically under-performing school that had been part of the OIP for 6 years at the time the research was conducted. This case was chosen in part due to significant growth in academic student outcome measures that were reflected in changes in the building's report card grade shared by the state. It was also chosen because this researcher was already an active participant in the systems such that access to ongoing conversations and authentic reflection could be possible. Data were gathered using semi-structured individual interviews, and they were supported by review of historical records from the leadership team's work over the past 3-4 years. These data were analyzed in part through the use of definitions of teacher leadership from Moller & Katzenmeyer (2009) and of sensemaking from Spillane (2005). This study largely tells a shared narrative, and the story itself is the primary "finding" of the research. This study also may suggest an overall theme that teacher leaders can be more effective when they are empowered to engage in sensemaking so much that they serve as the final interpreters of policy. This can allow them to become policy makers themselves, not just policy implementers.
Lucian Szlizewski, Dr. (Committee Co-Chair)
Joel Malin, Dr. (Committee Co-Chair)
Nathaniel Bryan, Dr. (Committee Member)
78 p.
Education; Education Policy; Educational Evaluation; Educational Leadership; School Administration; Teaching
sensemaking, teacher leadership, Ohio Improvement Process, Building Leadership Team, leadership teams, school psychology, case study, middle school, math student outcomes, systems change

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Schaefer, K. A. (2021). Measuring & Making Systems Change: Sensemaking of Teacher Leaders [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1616253866255772

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Schaefer, Katherine. Measuring & Making Systems Change: Sensemaking of Teacher Leaders . 2021. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1616253866255772.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Schaefer, Katherine. "Measuring & Making Systems Change: Sensemaking of Teacher Leaders ." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1616253866255772

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1616253866255772
384
© 2021, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.