Date of Award
Summer 1995
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Wong, Terrence
Second Advisor
Martin, Thomas
Third Advisor
Jerone, Sarah
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to gather and analyze the perceptions of school superintendents about the status of the strategic-planning process and its impact on the quality of planning practices used in school systems in the state of Wisconsin. Demographic factors of school system size, school system location and type of school system were investigated to determine if these factors influenced superintendents' perceptions of planning practices. An analysis of the main strategic-planning process factors and their influence on the perceptions of school superintendents about the impact strategic-planning has on their school systems was also undertaken. The strategic-planning process factors analyzed were: extent to which the strategic-planning process is used, the level of stakeholder involvement, and superintendents' perceptions about the role of strategic-planning. Data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire (See Appendix C). A total of 427 questionnaires were distributed and 293 were returned for a response rate of 68.6%. Five-point Likert-type scales were used to measure the perception items. Chi-square analysis was used to determine if there were significant differences, based on the above-noted factors, in the perceptions of school superintendents about the impact and status of the strategic-planning process in their school systems. The results of the study indicated significant differences in the perceptions of superintendents from unified and common/union districts regarding the quality of planning practices. Significant differences in the perceptions of superintendents from different sizes of school systems were found regarding the level at which the components of the strategic-planning process are included in the system-wide planning practices. Significant differences were found in the perceptions of superintendents from the different geographical locations within the state of Wisconsin. The research indicated significant differences in the perceptions of superintendents about the impact of the strategic-planning process when their perceptions were correlated with the level (low, medium, or high) to which they used this process. Significant differences were demonstrated in their perceptions when the degree (low, medium, or high) to which they utilized stakeholder groups was compared. Significant differences were also found in the perceptions of superintendents about the role of the strategic-planning process.