A history of the Department of Curriculum and Supervision at the University of Georgia 1968-1991

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to document and to describe events surrounding the history of the Department of Curriculum and Supervision in the College of Education at the University of Georgia from 1968 to 1991. The data included the perspectives of four retired department faculty members coupled with a review of historical documents and a policy analysis of related legislation that influenced the development, existence, and the eventual merger of the Department of Curriculum and Supervision with the Department of Educational Administration to form the Department of Educational Leadership. The researcher conducted a total of 10 videotaped interviews with Dr. Ray Bruce, Dr. Gerald Firth, Dr. Edith Grimsley, and Dr. Virginia Macagnoni from the summer 2005 to fall 2007. The interview tapes were converted to digital video files, allowing the researcher flexibility in navigating the data included in each interview. Following qualitative research methods, themes that emerged were examined through the constant comparison approach using the video taped interviews, and a review of relevant historical documents. Video clips were created and organized by themes and select video clip quotes were linked to quotes in the text of the dissertation. An analysis of selected educational policy initiatives in Georgia was conducted using the Kingdon Multiple Streams Model (1984). This model allowed for an analysis of historical conditions surrounding the development, establishment, and implementation of the policies included in this study. Results of the analysis were used to describe the impact of implementation of selected educational policy on the development and operations of the Department of Curriculum and Supervision from 1968 to 1991. Historical, interview, and policy-related data collected in this study indicated that the history of the Department of Curriculum and Supervision was influenced by a unique combination of regional education conditions, legislative initiatives, and key individuals in the field of supervision. These conditions led to the development of a program for the training of supervisors and research in the field of supervision that became a central focus of the Department of Curriculum and Supervision and led to national recognition for the Department and members of its faculty.