Process of changing school principals' attitudes toward utilizing empowerment evaluation-based school evaluations

Abstract

The present study investigated the process of changing the attitudes of elementary school principals toward school evaluation when implementing Getting To Outcomes (GTO). Getting To Outcomes is a 10-step model and series of supports designed to help organizations achieve the maximum benefit from any program with high-quality program evaluations. Getting To Outcomes is a tool for conducting an empowerment evaluation approach that fosters collaborative autonomous management in organizations. The participants were the principals of 5 elementary schools that were implementing Getting To Outcomes. The Trajectory Equifinality Model (TEM) was used as the analytical procedure. The results revealed that the principals gradually developed the following attitudes: (a) that it was possible to improve school evaluations by introducing clear goals and action/evaluation plans, and (b) that their sense of control of comprehensive school management could be enhanced by initiating school-wide evaluation. In addition, the principals came to recognize the value and importance of school-wide implementation of school evaluation. It was also found that professional support, including reviewing modifications of the management plan when necessary, and providing and tailoring evaluation tools to fit the needs and context of each school, was vital for facilitating changes in the principals' attitudes.