Date of Award
Spring 5-3-2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership for Learning Dissertations
Department
Educational Leadership
Committee Chair
Dr. Sheryl Croft
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Nicholas Clegorne
Second Committee Member
Dr. Susan Banke
Abstract
Currently, a scarcity of research exists on Diversity Directors in faith-based independent Christian schools. There also remains a lack of empirical data that explains how independent schools, faith-based or not, can take action to diversify their student population, supporting students of color, and how they can measure progress toward these goals. Despite this current lack of research, there has been a significant increase in the number of full-time Diversity Director positions in faith-based independent Christian schools. Diversity Directors continue to see their role grow and become more complex as emerging issues and increased diversity enter their school community.
The purpose of this phenomenographic study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of Diversity Directors in Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) member schools. The research sought to provide context into the job duties, barriers, challenges, and successes of Diversity Directors.
The following proposed research question was used to guide this study:
1) What can the different experiences of Diversity Directors at CESA member schools tell us about the perceived roles, responsibilities, and barriers to success associated with their positions?
Success in this study was defined as having six essential characteristics: clear job description, sufficient budget, suitable workspace, reasonable instructional responsibilities, time to interact with the greater community, and professional development opportunities.