Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze staff perceptions of job satisfaction, rapport among teachers, community support of education and community pressures in junior high/middle schools using Quality Circles as compared to other schools using a different strategy as part of their shared decision-making model. Schools were identified by the school system implementing the strategy. A group of ten schools made up the pilot program. All ten schools were used either in the test or as a comparison group.The revised "Purdue Teacher Opinionaire (P.T.O.)," was used to collect data on the designated dimensions of the attitudinal areas. The P.T.O. was designed to provide a measure of teacher job satisfaction. Specific scores were achieved in order to analyze the four areas being studied. Administration of the P.T.O. took place in October and May of the 1987-88 school year. Additional data were received and analyzed through selected interviews conducted at Quality Circle sites.Quality Circle training was provided throughout the year. All staff members involved were trained by certified Quality Circle trainers. Each leader received training that would allow him/her to return to his/her respective school and implement the program.Hypotheses were tested using the t-test. Data relevant to the attitudinal areas being studied showed that there were no significant differences found between staffs at schools using Quality Circles and those using another strategy.Responses on interviews at sites using Quality Circles showed that staff members who were directly involved in the process felt "rapport among teachers" improved, as well as their "job satisfaction." It was also stated that this was observed only in those staff members directly involved with the implementation of Quality Circles.Specific recommendations were made for additional research studies in the subject and areas of concern for practitioners were discussed.