A study of the perceptions of Oklahoma business teacher educators regarding factors relating to House Bill 1706.

Abstract

As a result of the findings the author recommends a number of efforts that may benefit the business education teacher programs, curriculum tests, and administrative procedures relating to House Bill 1706.

The respondents indicated strongest support for the concept of strengthening the screening requirements of college student applicants for admission into college and university teacher education programs, the entry-year assistance program, and faculty and staff development programs. Certain provisions of the entry-year program and the competency testing program were considered onerous by the subjects.

The interview guide was used to conduct personal in-depth interviews of the nineteen business education area representatives of the public and private institutions of higher education in the State of Oklahoma that offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. All subjects of the sample were interviewed. Data were collected during an interview with each Business Education Area Representative.

This study seeks to answer the question, "What are the perceptions of Oklahoma Business Teacher Educators regarding factors relating to House Bill 1706?" In an attempt to answer this question the author developed questions based upon the four major concepts of House Bill 1706. The research questions were operationalized through the development of an interview guide.

Finally, the responses of the interviewees indicate support for a number of the findings, ideas, and opinions expressed in the literature. Specifically ideas relating to the relationship between potential student achievement, individuals attracted to a teaching career, and economic remuneration are particularly germane.

The subjects' educational profiles are dominated by the Master's degree and some additional work toward the Doctorate. An analysis of the subjects' teaching experience reveals a stronger background of teaching experience at the collegiate level than at the secondary level.

The report of the findings includes background information on the subjects interviewed, and a tabulation of the responses indicating support or nonsupport of each of the concepts considered, and miscellaneous observations. A synopsis of the interview with each subject of the sample is included in the Appendix of the study with the interview guide, the request for permission to interview, and the follow-up letter.