Organizational Learning Theory and Districtwide Curriculum Reform: The Role of the Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer

Thesis advisor: Rebecca LowenhauptThis qualitative case study examined the mechanisms employed by a public school Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer to support district wide curriculum reform. Utilizing organizational learning theory as a frame, the study aims to uncover the extent to which the district functions as learning organization. A learning organization can be characterized by a systematic approach to the acquisition and distribution of information to then retrieve and uniformly interpret new knowledge for the organization’s future use. Interview data and document analyses revealed strong evidence of organizational learning mechanisms employed by the Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer. Specifically, strategies for information acquisition and distribution were highly utilized, as well as structures for accountability including supervision, coaching models and a focus on data use. These district administrators delegated roles and meeting structures to support curricula adaptation, including heavy reliance on the instructional leadership of coaches and directors. With the goal of improving student outcomes via curricula reform, such structures facilitated adaptation and engagement in new learning by various members of the school district.Thesis (EdD) — Boston College, 2016.Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education.Discipline: Educational Leadership and Higher Education