Challenges and Choices in Urban Education: The Perceptions of Teachers and Principals
| Author (s) |
Voltz, D.L. |
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| Year of Publication |
1998 |
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| Publication Type |
article |
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| Name of Periodical |
The Urban Review |
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| Volume |
30 |
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| Issue |
3 |
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| Page Numbers |
211-228 |
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| Editors |
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| Publisher &
Address |
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| Available From |
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| URL |
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| Suggested Audience |
- Administrators
- Researchers
- Teachers
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| Descriptors |
- School/community relationships
- Urban youth culture
- Access to education
- Administrator roles
- Teacher roles
- Teacher-student relationships
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Content Abstract
The study described in this paper was designed to investigate the perspectives of principals and teachers in urban schools across the country in regard to challenges in urban teaching. The perceptions of these educators were investigated regarding (1) the extent to which challenges commonly cited in the literature on urban teaching were evident at their schools; (2) the extent to which school personnel have the power to favorably influence challenge areas; and (3) the potential for success of promising practices commonly cited in the literature on urban teaching. (abstract from article)
Methodological Notes
A total of 340 urban educators drawn from 25 of the largest urban school districts in the United States participated in this study. Of this group, 148 were classroom teachers and 192 were principals. For solicitation to participate in this study, packets with survey instruments were mailed. The instrument in this study was composed of three sections. The first section solicited demographic information. The second section was composed of an inventory of 23 challenges commonly cited in the literature on urban teaching. Respondents were asked to rate these challenges, using a Likert scale, based on their perceptions of the extent to which school personnel have the power to favorably influence each challenge. The third section was composed of an inventory of 18 promising practices commonly cited in the literature on urban teaching. Respondents were asked to rate these items, using a Likert scale, based on their perceptions of the extent to which each potentially could have a favorable influence on one or more of the challenge items in the second section. (excerpts from article)
Additional Comments
Reviews and Commentary by the Field
This article would help me tremendously in my work with urban school teachers. Please send me a copy.
Thank you in advance.
-
Francine Shakir
(Oakland, CA USA)
