School Board Members’ Perceptions of Their Roles in Improving Student Academic Performance: A Narrative Inquiry Study
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D)
Department
Educational Leadership
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Abstract
This qualitative, narrative inquiry study explored school board members’ perceptions of their role in the academic achievement of the district in which they serve. School board members play a critical role in shaping educational policies, allocating resources, and overseeing district leadership, yet their direct influence on student achievement remains an area of ongoing investigation. This study sought to understand how school board members perceive their impact on student academic outcomes and to identify practices that may enhance their effectiveness in supporting achievement. Using a narrative inquiry approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five school board members from various school districts. Participants shared their perspectives on the relationship between governance decisions, district leadership, and student academic success. The study examined key themes related to board-superintendent relations, policy implementation, and strategic decision-making and their link to student achievement. The unified conceptual framework guided the analysis by integrating governance theories and educational leadership models to provide a comprehensive understanding of board members’ roles in fostering academic success. Findings suggest that school board members perceive their influence on student achievement as indirect yet significant, primarily through policy development, budgetary decisions, and superintendent accountability. Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration with district leadership, data-driven decision-making, and a shared vision for academic excellence. The study highlights the need for ongoing professional development for school board members to strengthen their capacity for informed governance. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on educational governance and provide insights for policymakers, educational leaders, and board members seeking to maximize their impact on student success.
Advisor
Teresa Farler
Subject Categories
Education
Recommended Citation
McCarty, Sara, "School Board Members’ Perceptions of Their Roles in Improving Student Academic Performance: A Narrative Inquiry Study" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1256.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/1256
