Case Study #1: Race, Accountability, and the Achievement Gap (A)

STEP 1: Introduction/Understanding of the Problem(s): Understanding and/or stating the problem – Describe the situation of the case, including the problem context and problem statement(s) and the exploratory question(s) that the author is investigating in the case.

  • What are the problem(s) in Montgomery County School District? ELCC 5.3, 6.1
  • How do these problems relate to the larger educational context? ELCC 6.1
  • What are ethical issues associated with these problem(s)? ELCC 5.3

STEP 2: Summary of the Case: During this phase, main points and critical issues of the case should be briefly described and summarized; critical details should be synthesized in a way that reflects your individual interpretation.

  • Identify the key variables within the Montgomery County community and school district that contributed to the problem(s) ELCC 6.1
  • Provide supporting details/evidence from the case ELCC 6.1

STEP 3: Frameworks for Analysis: Use your experience, research, and class readings and discussions to inform, formulate and/or identify possible approaches or frames from which to analyze the case.

  • What theories, research, course readings, and other framing concepts could be utilized in analyzing the problem(s) facing Montgomery County School District? ELCC 6.1
  • Untangle the components of the case for the reader by applying these theories, research, and other concepts (drawing from class readings and discussions, as well as your knowledge base as an experienced practitioner). ELCC 5.1, 5.2, 6.2
  • Analyze the case from at least 2 perspectives/frames and compare the perspectives

STEP 4: Goals, Challenges, Potential Outcomes, and Consequences: Reflecting on and projecting goals, /anticipating challenges/projecting potential outcomes, anticipating consequences, and moving toward advocacy or action.

  • Analyze and evaluate how Superintendent Weast developed, articulated, and implemented the district vision. ELCC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
  • Analyze the leadership challenges that Superintendent Weast faced while implementing his action plan. ELCC 1.4
  • What were the intended and unintended consequences of Superintendent Weast’s action plan to close the achievement gap so as to establish an effective learning environment?
  • In hindsight, what course of actions should/couldSuperintendent Weast have taken to address these unintended consequences and challenges? ELCC 3.1

STEP 5: Leadership Lessons: Take aways/Leadership lessons

  • What leadership lessons can you take from this case?
  • How might the lessons learned from this case be used to help create and implement a vision of learning in your own district? ELCC 1.1, 1.3
  • How might the lessons learned from this case be used to promote a positive culture in your own district? ELCC 2.1
  • How might this case be used to inform your action plan for promoting community involvement in your district’s vision? ELCC 1.5
  • What are your continuing questions?

Writing/Grammar/References using APA style

  • Technical writing and grammar needs to be both accurate and compelling
  • Paper needs to show strong evidence of editing and proofreading
  • Citations within the text need to be consistent, accurate, and consistent with APA
  • References need to be complete, comprehensive, and consistent with APA