Illinois Horizon Schools: Principal Perceptions About Becoming an Illinois Horizon Schools to Watch

• In Event: Exploring Middle-Level Education Structures, Programs, and Practices That Support Student Success

Abstract

Currently, there is a paucity of research concerning the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform’s Schools to Watch national school improvement program. This research project is an attempt to systematically collect, organize, and analyze qualitative data from a sample of nearly 40 Illinois Horizon Schools to Watch (IHSTW) principals participating in the National Forum’s Schools to Watch program. The study will address research questions related to: (a) Why do Illinois schools decide to apply to become an IHSTW? (b) What are perceived as the benefits and challenges of being an IHSTW? and (c) How do IHSTW schools sustain their work or progress toward maintaining their IHSTW designation.

Authors

• Kristina Nicole Falbe, Illinois State University
  Presenting Author

• Steven B. Mertens, Illinois State University
  Presenting Author