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The Restructured Kentucky Department of Education--Does It Operate Differently?
- Publication Year :
- 1996
-
Abstract
- Before undergoing restructuring in 1991, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) was perceived as a model of bureaucratic inefficiency, an impediment to school reform. This paper presents findings of a study that investigated the typical operating procedures of the new KDE. Surveys were sent to a total of 293 randomly selected Kentucky public school principals. Ninety-seven surveys were received, a 33 percent response rate. The principals reported that the new KDE had made significant improvements in its bureaucratic operations, some of which included increased flexibility; more specific regulations; improved communication with schools; and improved support/resourcefulness to schools. However, findings also indicate that the new KDE created overly burdensome paperwork, pressured schools to conform to the state agenda, and tended to prescribe tasks and processes for schools. The newly reorganized department also appears to have been influenced by political factors, particularly its policies and reform practices, and is reluctant to change and evaluate its own reform practices. In short, the bureaucratic nature of the KDE has been enhanced. Appendices contains survey data. (Contains 37 references.) (LMI)
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- ERIC
- Publication Type :
- Conference
- Accession number :
- ED401618
- Document Type :
- Speeches/Meeting Papers<br />Reports - Research