How Q-Methodology Reveals Early College High School Philosophy, Policy, Process, and Outcomes

• In Event: From Rural to Urban: Examining the Effectiveness of Innovative School Forms

Abstract

Mixed-methods study answered descriptive research goal: investigate what philosophy and policies shape the form, process, and outcomes of local Early College High School (ECH or ECHS) organizations. Study provided answers in a balanced, deep, rich explanation to the following three research sub-questions: 1) How are ECHs designed differently from traditional high schools? 2) How is school leadership in ECHs different from traditional public high schools? 3) How do local ECH teachers perceive their school process to align with state- and national-level philosophy and policies? Qualitative data from seven Phase One Interviews of national and state-level ECH organization leaders comprised a concourse of statements that 40 participant ECH administrators and teachers sorted via quantitative Q-Methodology in Phase Two of the study.

Author

• Thomas Perrine Warren, Education Consultant