AN ANALYSIS OF THE TIME AND TIME-RELATED RESOURCE UTILIZATION OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES IN SELECTED NEBRASKA SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Purpose of the Study. The primary purpose of the study was to examine the utilization of time and time-related resources in student activities programs of secondary schools of Nebraska, and to search for recommendations. Research questions answered by the study were: (1) What do respondents reveal about the value and influence of student activities? (2) Who determined which activities were scheduled and conducted, and what activities were offered? (3) What limitations were placed on the amount of time students and faculty members devoted to activities. (4) How much time were students and faculty members out of their classes for activities? (5) How did respondents view the amount of time spent on activities? (6) Did students and parents have a voice in determining activities? (7) Were all students who wished participating in student activities? Procedures. The procedures involved: (1) a review of literature, (2) development of an instrument, (3) identification of the sample, (4) collection of data, (5) analysis of data, and (6) reporting conclusions and formulating recommendations. Findings. Administrators, teachers and students cooperatively plan and schedule activities in their secondary schools. However, parents and community members are given little or no voice in the planning process. Respondents perceived the time involved in activities justified for the value received. The study revealed the average time for students out of classes for activities to be one and one-half hours per week. Teachers reportedly missed on an average of two hours from class each week. Recommendations. (1) Local boards of education, through policies and procedures, should set clear direction and government of activities. (2) More complete details and evaluation records should be maintained. (3) Activities should be scheduled outside the school day as much as possible. (4) Activities assignments for teachers should be mutually agreed to at the time of initial contracting. (5) There should be a demonstrative and consistent level of involvement in the planning process by teachers, administrators, students, parents and community members