Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of educational reforms from 1983- 2014 through conducting oral histories with three Louisiana teachers. My research, as a postmodern and cultural feminist, was to interview and create a dialogue with three teachers; to find the intersection between school, reform and the meaning these give to their teaching life. I chose to interview teachers who are currently or close to retirement, who taught in a Louisiana accredited school system.

My focus was to investigate the lives of teachers, including their thoughts on educational reform changes during their tenure of teaching. Much has been written about the curriculum and policy changes in education, but not within the focus of teacher’s lives in Louisiana. My research into teachers’ lives looked at the personal, historical and institutional factors impacting three women educators in Louisiana.

Through my research, I identified three common themes in the meaning the three Louisiana teachers gave to educational reforms. Strong and effective education is about relationships not reform; autonomy not control; and the idea of a holistic, big picture point of view, not the reduction of standards and accountability.

Date

7-12-2018

Committee Chair

Hendry, Petra

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.4680

Available for download on Saturday, July 12, 2025

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