Written Analysis is organized in the following parts (developed by J. T. Kowalski)
Step 1: Introduction
State the full title of the case study, author names, year published
Title: Contested Territory: Parents and Teachers Wrestle for Power in an Urban Neighborhood School located Within a Gentrifying Community
Authors: David Mayrowetz, John Price
Year Published: 2005
Describe the situation of the case
Thomas Payne Elem. – had several concerns including: school security, racial tensions, controlling board, changing neighborhood, teachers have forgotten their primary purpose, principal has pressure to provide action plan in a very short period of time.
Problem Context
School is in an impoverished neighborhood in inner city Chicago
87% African-American
Teachers are mainly white
Demographics of neighborhood is changing because of high end housing developments
Strong teacher union presence (union leader has admin. Leadership degree)
Parents complain about lack of communication regarding academics and behavior
Local school counsel has power to hire and fire principal (4 yr. contract)
Principal has authority to hire staff
Board make-up is: 2 teachers, 6 parents and 2 community members
Board was encouraging more minority parent involvement in the overall decision making of school policy
Two main board members are minority and ran on a platform to create a more Afro-centric curriculum
There was tension because even though the majority of the student population is AA, only one teacher attempted to focus on AA history
Teachers do not support or trust parents and visa-versa
Teachers do not like the clientele of the school
Diversity issues, racial issues, community relations issues, safety issues and ethical issues
Neighborhood demographics are changing; teachers are mainly white, impoverished neighborhood in inner city Chicago, lack of trust, racial issues.
Problem statement(s)
The school principal is faced with