Date of Award
11-14-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
First Advisor
Topeka Singleton
Second Advisor
Donna Madison-Bell
Committee Members
TeKyesha Anderson
Call Number
ISBN 9798342763578
Abstract
Entrepreneurial Education (EE) is gaining momentum worldwide as educational systems strive to foster entrepreneurial skills among students. However, there is a notable gap in EE curricula for ninth through twelfth grades in the Delta region communities of Arkansas. The gap presents a critical issue, potentially stunting local and global economic growth and innovation. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore school leaders' perspectives on the need for EE in the Delta region's rural high schools, guided by Lawrence Stenhouse's Curriculum Development framework. The study aims to identify strategies for effectively integrating EE into existing curricula by leveraging teachers as change agents. Using a qualitative research methodology, six school leaders from the Delta were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews focusing on the importance, challenges, and potential benefits of EE. Analysis revealed unanimous recognition of EE's necessity for enhancing students' critical thinking, creativity, and economic self-sufficiency. Significant challenges identified include policy implementation, lack of strategic vision, insufficient resources, and the need for experiential learning and community partnerships. Despite these challenges, participants expressed optimism about EE's long-term benefits, emphasizing the need for comprehensive EE curricula and programs, addressing resource constraints, and fostering collaboration between schools and local businesses. Integrating EE could provide substantial benefits, preparing students for entrepreneurial endeavors and enhancing the community. A robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Delta region could serve as a model for other rural areas, demonstrating the transformative power of investment in EE. Future research should focus on overcoming these challenges and assessing EE's long-term impact.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Gaither-Davis, LaTeasha, "School Leader Experiences of Entrepreneurial Education Accessibility in Rural High Schools in Arkansas: Phenomenological" (2024). Student Theses and Dissertations. 55.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/55
