Mastery of the research and theory outcome of the College of Education in Argosy University’s Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership indicates that a school leader is able to use research in combination with educational theories to improve the school all around (i.e. instruction, facilities, materials, etc.). Completing a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) allows a school leader to look at all aspects of the school and make predictions for the future based on the information provided. Strengths indicate the areas the school is doing very well in as it currently stands. Weaknesses indicate the areas in which the school is doing poorly. Opportunities are the areas where the school is showing growth or promise. Threats are areas where the school is failings or showing a decrease in development. A SWOT analysis can be very useful for a school because it creates a big picture of the main areas of the school that are doing well as well as those that are doing badly. Knowing what research states about the various aspects will help a school leader decide what direction the school should take next to maintain its great aspects and improve its flaws.
Initially, the SWOT analysis I created for a pretend Argosy Elementary School did a very good job of using the information to find the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the school and indicating why each example was categorized as it was. However, as I have become more aware of research and theory practices at Argosy University, there are some areas of this analysis that I had overlooked previously. I provided examples, but I never include the research to back up certain statements. Hence, I left out the research aspect altogether. The modified version of this analysis includes research to back up previous statements.
SWOT Analysis of Argosy Elementary School
Strengths
11.The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Education Agency. “Students who attend a school accredited by NCA CASI or SACS CASI can rest assured that the school is committed to raising student performance and held accountable for improving student learning on a continual basis” (North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement & National Study of School Evaluation, 2008).
2. The school has a high attendance rate. This means that students are coming to school on a regular basis. Students that attend their classes on a regular basis tend to perform better academically because they are present for instruction and do not fall behind.
3. The staff is has a great reputation in the community. “Studies have indicated that children whose parents and/or other significant adults share in their formal education tend to do better in school” (University of Illinois Board of Trustees, 2008). For example, parents may go the extra mile to obey requests such as looking over their child’s homework.
Opportunities
1. The school receives Title 1 funds. These funds will allow the school to provide extra academic assistance to those that are failing or at risk for failing to meet the state standards.
2. There will be a full-day kindergarten as opposed to half-day. Research shows that full kindergarten programs “results in increased academic preparedness for first grade” (Long Beach Unified School District, 2000). Those students will receive more instructional time during a school day. This will allow them to cover more material in depth or just more info in general.
3. The school is well equipped with technology: computers, audiovisual equipment, three computers in every classroom, and one computer lab that classes attend twice a week. Students can become knowledgeable of modern technology practices. Teachers can use more advanced hands-on materials for instruction.
Weaknesses
1. 50% of the students receive free or reduced lunch. Research indicates “poverty has a strong association with low test scores later in childhood as well as grade failure, school engagement, and dropping out of school” (Research and Accountability Department of Pinellas County Schools, 1999). The school will have to work harder with students that receive this service.
2. There are low test scores on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). At this particular school, students are performing as well as other students the same age in regards to meeting the state standards. We want students to perform higher.
3. There is not a stable staff at the beginning of the school year. For the two weeks of school, which are very critical for students and teachers, some teachers do not have a permanent assignment. They must wait until enrollment stabilizes to see where they are needed. The district must develop a plan to have teachers in place from the beginning.
Threats
1.Principals are on a one-year contract, while teachers are on a continuing contract. If schools do not perform well the first year a principal is hired, he may be fired. It takes time to change a school’s performance and atmosphere. The principal may be very good but not have the time to show his abilities. All teachers are not worth keeping, but here they are guaranteed a job regardless. If the teacher is unproductive the students and district will suffer.
2. All campus budgets have been reduced. With schools already performing low, funds are the last thing that needs to be cut. Now is the time for an increase. There will be fewer resources available at a critical time for the schools.
3. Teachers will receive a smaller than average salary increase. The starting teacher salary is now $4,000 less than neighboring districts. At this point the district may lose good teachers that see better benefits in other areas.
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, South Association of Colleges and School Council on Accreditation and School Improvement & National Study of School Evaluation. (2008). Schools/ districts. Retrieved May 26, 2008, from http://www.advanc-ed.org/schools-districts/
Parent Institute. (2003). Importance of regular school attendance. Retrieved May 26, 2008, from http://www.oscodaschools.org
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