Abstract

Public schools in the United States have evolved as one ofseveral institutional agents of the larger culture rather than as locales where local norms and values dominate. In isolated and economically disadvantaged places in Central and Southern Appalachia, however, the school often stands alone in this manner, for the norms ofthe family, workplace and church may not reinforce those ofthe school. This essay focuses upon the cultural meaning ofschooling in Central Appalachia and deals more specifically with the concept ofschool leadership and educational change in one West Virginia county school system. In particular, the biography and school improvement strategies ofthe county school superintendent are highlighted in this discussion. His role as a cultural change agent is particularly elaborated upon in the analysis.

How to Cite:

DeYoung, A. J., (1995) “Bridging Multiple Worlds: The School Superintendent as Change Agent in a Rural and Poor School District”, Journal of Research in Rural Education 11(3), 187–197.

Rights: Copyright