Opportunities to Learn in Rural South Carolina Schools: Rurality, Place, and Passion

Author

Grig SawyerFollow

Date of Award

8-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership

Committee Chair/Advisor

Hans Klar

Committee Member

Daniella Sutherland

Committee Member

Noelle Paufler

Committee Member

Phillip Grant

Abstract

High school principals can change the status quo of the current iniquitous disparities in the education system between South Carolina’s rural high schools and their more populated and affluent suburban schools. Using a non-standard structure and the resources in their control, these school leaders can find solutions so schools can offer rural students advanced math and science programs. Yet, there is a paucity of studies examining how small rural school principals make advanced math and science courses available to their students, particularly in rural South Carolina. Thus, studies must examine how South Carolina school leaders successfully offer advanced math and science courses. In this exploratory multiple-site case study, I utilized the lens of complexity leadership theory to answer the question: How do rural South Carolina high school leaders provide their students opportunities to learn in AP or dual enrollment math and science courses? In two rural South Carolina high schools, leaders engaged the community with effective communication to generate interest and support for their dual enrollment programs. Leaders of these programs cooperated with higher education leaders to bring more advanced and diverse courses to these rural areas. Student and logistical support between the rural school and their higher education partners made dual enrollment programs available to their rural students. With more interest in these programs, the higher education partners expanded their relationship with their rural partners. Effective leaders made a difference in these schools by continuing to communicate and adjust their programs for the benefit of their students.

Recommended Citation

Sawyer, Grig, "Opportunities to Learn in Rural South Carolina Schools: Rurality, Place, and Passion" (2024). All Dissertations. 3738.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/3738

Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0001-3562-8012