Scholarly Work - Indigenous Research Initiative
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/15852
Browse
3 results
Search Results
Item An Apsaalooke view for educational leadership(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2019) Cummins, Jason Dean; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: William RuffThere have been many calls for Native American communities to be given more self-determination in the education of their children. Yet despite these calls for allowing Native American parents to be included in the education of their children this is not happening (Bird, Lee and Lopez, 2013). In this study the researcher utilizes an Indigenous research methodology adhering the cultural protocols of the Apsaalooke nation and building upon the 4 R's, which are respect, relevance, reciprocity and responsibility (Kirkness & Barnhardt, 1991). This research allowed Apsaalooke tribal members, identified through the protocols of the Ashammaliaxxiia to voice their perspective and expectations for school leaders who serve students in their communities. There were formal interviews, informal visits and personal communications. The research questions that guided this study are: 1. What kind of behavior and actions do Apsaalooke tribal members expect from school leaders such as principals and superintendents serving their students? 2. How can school leaders work well with parents and leaders in the Apsaalooke community? 3. What do Apsaalooke tribal members want school leaders to know and be aware of in the education of the children of the tribe? From the research four salient themes emerged which are: 1. A leaders first job is to learn; 2. Lead through relationships; 3. Crows take education seriously; 4. The preservation of Apsaalooke identity and culture. Seventeen tribal members participated in the study. From the study the researcher found that leaders need to respect the community and build authentic relationships within it by being present and connected to the community. Lead the school with those relationships within the informal leadership model in the community in a more flattened model based on the respect of and the character possessed by influential leaders, rather than a hierarchical one, as well as defend those relationships. Understand the Apsaalooke want their student to achieve academically and help parents to support their students in this and hire and retain quality teachers. Support the preservation and perpetuation of the Apsaalooke way of life.Item Barriers to women in educational leadership roles in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2004) Brown, Linda Elaine Hunt; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Joanne EricksonThe problem addressed in this study was a shortage of women, especially American Indian women, in educational leadership in Montana. This study was designed to identify the barriers that might exist for three identified populations; women school administrators, administratively certified women teachers, and American Indian teachers. Because there is national and Montana shortage of educational leaders, a compelling need is evolving for competent educational leaders in all segments of the country. Since there is a declining pool of applicants, these underrepresented groups should become strong candidates if they are able to work past the barriers that have hindered them in the past. The major findings of the study are that barriers still exist which limit women in the pursuit of administrative positions. Some of the key barriers were lack of family mobility, lack of opportunities to gain administrative experience, the lack of professional networks, the lack of mentors, and the perception that women are not strong managers. Key constructs, which were identified in order of importance, were perceptions, opportunities, and prestige. In conclusion, women must actively and aggressively seek leadership experience. If they are willing to make personal and familial sacrifices, opportunities as school administrators are available. Recommendations to increase opportunities for women, especially American Indian women, included providing mentoring programs through district and university programs and encouraging successful women administrator to become role models for state and local school board associations.Item A case study of presidential leadership in selected Montana higher education institutions(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 1998) Hensley, Robert Joseph