Identification and Analysis of Issues in Distributive Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The purpose of the study was to analyze the opinions of distributive education leaders about issues in distributive education and to ascertain their opinions on the importance of these issues in determining effective operating procedures in distributive education. The 30 leaders were determined on the basis of the number of times their names were mentioned on a leadership questionnaire which was sent to head State supervisors and teacher educators in the field, and to teacher-coordinators randomly selected from the National Association of Distributive Education Teachers roster. The leaders in turn were questioned on a series of 52 issue statements. Responses to the statements, grouped under four headings: philosophy (19 statements); organization and administration (14 statements); teacher education (15 statements); and curriculum and related issues (four statements), are presented and discussed. Two tables list the choice index ratings (computed on a scale ranging from 5=critical to 1=no importance) on the importance of issue statements and the rank order of importance of issue statements by choice index. In summary, the issue statements are grouped according to the degree of agreement among the respondents, and according to that agreement separated into "principles" and "major issues" in distributive education. (JR)