Unpacking the Black Box of Microlevel Governance: An Inductive Analysis of One Nonprofit Charter School

• In Event: Parents and Partnerships: Critical Aspects of Equitable Leadership

Abstract

This study uses an inductive constructivist grounded theory approach to collect qualitative data regarding micro-level governance processes for parents at a standalone, nonprofit charter school. Parent perspectives and the differences from school leader perspectives, intentions, and governance mechanisms made available are explored to build a theory regarding nonprofit charter school micro-level governance practices. This study finds that the participating nonprofit charter school developed school governance processes that encompass more than simply finances and operations but also include parents and their desires and concerns regarding the school. Parents are able to shape school decisions regarding academic, behavioral, enrichment, and social capital-building policies and activities for families and their students to meet their needs.

Author

• Charity P. Scott, Virginia Commonwealth University