Beverly Leadbetter Schonhoff
B.S.ED., 1985, Southeast Missouri State University
M.A., 1992, Southeast Missouri State University
SPEC. ED., 1998, Southeast Missouri State University

An Investigation of the Decision Making Process for School Board Training ©

Abstract

This study investigated school board training and whether or not national standards were applied in the recruitment, retention, and dismissal of vendors contracted to facilitate that training. It was assumed training is outsourced to vendors because they are specialists on a certain topic and not because of their instructional capabilities. The purpose was to determine the relationship between state school board association expectations of vendor qualifications and their use of an evidenced-based personnel evaluation model. It was expected that, if a model is used, it would be based on specific standards in order to promote high quality personnel decisions. Demographic information was collected on fourteen variables and there was sufficient variability to warrant analysis on eight variables. This investigation utilized a univariate statistical design because 79% of respondents failed to respond to at least one survey question, necessitating the separate analysis of each dependent variable. The study recognized this to be a limitation; hence, eight separate analyses were conducted on the twenty-seven NSBA standards. Statistical results revealed a significant difference in mean scores for six different standards. A post-hoc follow-up interview was conducted to further explore school board responses. Also impacting the study is lack of clarity for those states not responding to the survey regarding whether or not they outsource their training. Many states did not have a staff member responsible for information on their school board so it was difficult to gather reliable information. Suggestions for state school board associations regarding contracting of vendors for school board member training were made based on results of the study.

Defense of Dissertation Committee