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Goal pursuit practices in high schools: hitting the target?

Linda Bendikson (LB Schooling Improvement, Auckland, New Zealand)
Mark Broadwith (The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand)
Tong Zhu (The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand)
Frauke Meyer (Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand)

Journal of Educational Administration

ISSN: 0957-8234

Article publication date: 24 August 2020

Issue publication date: 31 October 2020

261

Abstract

Purpose

This article investigates goal pursuit practices in a sample of 31 New Zealand high schools. It examines goal knowledge of middle and senior leaders, the alignment of this knowledge and factors related to improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Goals from schools' annual improvement plans were identified and counted at the beginning of the academic year. Senior and middle leaders were asked to recall their school's academic goals from memory. Responses were scored against the goals in the schools' plans to produce an accuracy score for each leader and for each middle and senior leadership team (SLT). At the end of the academic year, leaders recounted their goals and rated and commented on their SLT’s goal focus. Data analysis examined goal knowledge, alignment of middle and senior leaders' goal knowledge and SLT's goal focus. Comments were analyzed thematically in regard to the number and clarity of the goals and how goals were communicated, enacted and monitored.

Findings

Our findings show a lack of goal clarity, persistence across the year and effective strategy hampered the majority of schools in their goal pursuit. Only a few schools had a strong and aligned goal focus. Factors influencing perceived improvement included: fewer and greater clarity of goals, engagement of middle leaders in setting goals, establishing sound supporting structures and regular monitoring of progress.

Originality/value

While annual improvement plans outlining multiple goals are often compulsory for schools, little is known about their impact on practice. This research clarifies the state of goal pursuit in a sample of high schools.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Recognition and thanks go to the Starpath Project funded by New Zealand's Tertiary Education Commission, for funding this research and development project. Our thanks also go to the reviewers and editors who added considerable value with their advice.

Citation

Bendikson, L., Broadwith, M., Zhu, T. and Meyer, F. (2020), "Goal pursuit practices in high schools: hitting the target?", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 58 No. 6, pp. 713-728. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-01-2020-0020

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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