West Coast Principals' Perspectives on the Relevance of Dewey's Early Educational Values

• In Event: Deweyan Knowledge-Building Discourses

Abstract

This study investigates how practicing principals on the U.S. West Coast view Dewey’s early truisms on education and schooling. The inquiry surveyed a random sample of school principals in the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. Findings reveal that although 98% of respondents agree or strongly agree that Dewey had a significant impact on education, respondents agreed more strongly with Dewey on certain items and domains of education, and also strongly disagreed with Dewey in other areas. These results demonstrate that understanding how principals in education perceive Dewey is critical to ensuring preparation programs and policy makers can collaborate to ensure a deeper understanding of Dewey’s educational aims.

Authors

• Chetanath Gautam, Delaware State University

• Michael E. Hess, Ohio University

• Charles L. Lowery, Ohio University