| This study was designed to explore the nature of learning organization characteristics within a public middle school. Understanding how learning organization practices affect overall satisfaction and performance of school staff members is an important factor in successful school reform conversations.; A qualitative case study was used to investigate learning organization characteristics and practices in a public middle school. An initial survey was distributed among staff members, followed by a series of interviews and observations.; Two separate educational programs existed on one school campus. Because of this, staff members at each school were treated as separate groups. The study found that one of the groups did not perceive their school as providing organizational support for attaining personal mastery, learning as a team, or building shared vision. In this school there were no indications that staff members had been exposed to such learning organization practices as examining mental models and having a systems perspective. The administrator in this school was well-liked, respected, and generally supportive; however, he had not been able to communicate his personal vision for the school to the staff in such a way that they were truly committed to the vision. He did not provide opportunities for staff members to learn professionally from each other during common meeting times, but used those opportunities primarily to communicate information to the staff.; The second school staff group did perceive their school as providing organizational support for attaining personal mastery, learning as a team, and building shared vision. Staff members regularly engaged in an examination of their mental models, and their discussions reflected a systems perspectives. The administrator in this school was well-liked, respected, and supportive of staff members. She provided multiple opportunities for staff members to learn professionally from each other. She also used regular and frequent staff meetings as an opportunity for reflection and team learning.; In this study, learning organization disciplines are defined and discussed. Characteristics of each school are described. Recommendations and topics for further research are given. Recommendations include the development of a more appropriate tool for evaluating learning organization practices in public schools. |
