Date of Submission
Summer 6-9-2017
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree
Doctor of Education
Department
Education
OIP Defense Chair
Dr. Elan Paulson
Keywords
Developmental Disabilities, Challenging Behaviour, Transformational Leadership, Distributed Leadership
Abstract
This Organizational Improvement Plan seeks to understand how school and school board leaders at Ontario Catholic District School Board (OCDSB) can increase the sense of social belonging for students with Developmental Disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviour. Bolman and Deal’s (2013) Four Frames model and Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of Needs are the frameworks used that assist in identifying potential factors that may be impeding the organization from achieving change. A PESTE analysis as presented by Cawsey, Deszca, and Ingols (2016) is conducted that outlines the political, economic, social, technological, and environmental factors that impact this Problem of Practice. These factors and their potential impact on the role educational leaders play in developing a sense of social belonging for students with Developmental Disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviour are discussed. The role of unions for both teachers and support personnel are discussed, especially in relation to Joint Health and Safety Committee meetings in which union representatives bring forward employee concerns regarding workplace violence, employee safety, job participation, and concerns regarding increased staff absenteeism.
Transformational leadership is discussed as it relates to changing perceptions of students with Developmental Disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviour. Implementing change throughout the various levels within the organization will be discussed through the lens of distributed leadership. Considering the gap analysis, tools used to frame change include Bolman and Deal’s (2013) Four Frames model, Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of Needs, and Professional Development Continuums. Suggestions for the future state of the organization are identified and align with the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP). Limitations of the proposal are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Sutherland, K. (2017). How School and School Board Leaders Can Increase the Sense of Social Belonging for Students with Developmental Disabilities Who Exhibit Challenging Behaviour. The Dissertation in Practice at Western University, 7. Retrieved from https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/oip/7