CRPP - Handbooks, Manuals

This handbook follows the CIEPSS Handbook of Research Protocols: Volume 1 (Stinson, Silver, Amasha, Pak, & Wright, 2010), which is available on NIE DSpace at http://hdl.handle.net/10497/3725. Whilst the earlier volume details the data collection procedures, this volume aims to focus on the data analysis procedures from the development of thematic codes, defining the thematic codes to the development of conceptual categories.

Teachers and school leaders are struggling with what they identify as a lack of clarity in curriculum initiatives (Dixon, et al., 2008; Wright & Gan, 2006). The implementation process is complicated by the number of initiatives and the diversity of approaches across these. This study examined the diversity of implementation processes as they moved horizontally and vertically through layers of policy enactments within each school.

The methods of data collection and analysis for this project were trialled and refined during the SEED pilot study, undertaken with a small number of schools in 2008 (Dixon et al, 2008). The research is made up of two components – the case study component (CSC) and the classroom observation component (COC). The CSC involved the in-depth study of two schools in the North Zone, where a researcher was assigned to each of the schools to carry out classroom observations and interviews with policy actors. The CSC was undertaken in 20 schools. Video recordings of one lesson of English, Mathematics and Mother Tongue in each school were made. Findings were then synthesised from both components of the study to provide rich, valid results with strong explanatory power.