University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Why four critical decisions were made concerning school facilities at Lake Forest High School, 1960-1990: A case study approach

Strain, David L.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/19859

Description

Title
Why four critical decisions were made concerning school facilities at Lake Forest High School, 1960-1990: A case study approach
Author(s)
Strain, David L.
Issue Date
1994
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Merchant, Betty M.
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ed.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Education, Administration
  • Education, Secondary
Language
eng
Abstract
  • Schools, school boards, and administrations across the nation constantly face the challenge of providing adequate school facilities for students in their respective districts. A number of factors affect and are affected by the decisions that are made concerning these facilities. This research looks at one high school district, District 115, located in Lake Forest, Illinois, and the decisions that were made concerning school facilities needs from 1960 to 1990.
  • During the time of this study, Lake Forest High School actually faced four separate decisions concerning facilities. The district added to the existing older building rather than build a second high school building, built a second high school building, closed the newer building, and finally decided to renovate and once again add to the older building rather than remodel and add to the newer building.
  • This research is based on a case study approach with a single site as the unit of analysis. Historical records and documents were used as well as focused interviews, document analysis and participant observations to acquire and triangulate the results. The case study was chosen as the method of research to better explore and explain the causal links in real life interventions that are too complex for quantitative inquiry.
  • The data were analyzed by using two dominant techniques: explanation building and time-series analysis. Recommended was the need for local policy makers to consider not only the informational aspects of the decision to modify or expand facilities but also consider the tension that is generated and the emotional ties to a school building that embodies a lot of tradition for the members of the community.
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/19859
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 1994 Strain, David L.

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