Date of Award

Spring 6-2010

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Barbara Rieckhoff

Second Advisor

Fr. Anthony Dosen

Third Advisor

Dr. Thomas P. Thomas

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to measure and compare the advancement strategies employed by private faith-based middle schools which serve economically disadvantaged minority students in urban settings. The research compared six schools in two groups of samples chosen from a pool of Lasallian Catholic alternative middle schools. Data collected from extensive personal interviews with school administrators were divided into twelve categories to compare the school’s establishment, the school’s board makeup and advancement functions, the school’s advancement methods and programs, the school’s senior advancement administration, and the school’s relationship with religious sponsor. Additional data from the sample schools financial audits and annual reports was also analyzed.

The results revealed a high degree of similarity in both advancement strategies and success and minor differences in the operations and methods of the two groups of schools’ advancement programs. Analysis of financial data was unable to conclude any one school achieving a higher degree of financial viability or long term financial sustainability. The study did demonstrate the need for advancement to be an essential element in the planning of future San Miguel-Model Schools.

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