QualityManagementinEducationBuildingExcellenceand.pdfVIP

Goldberg article 9/19/02 3:09 PM Page 8 Quality Management in Education: Building Excellence and Equity in Student Performance JACQUELINE S. GOLDBERG, NORTH BROWARD COUNTY (FLORIDA) HOSPITAL DISTRICT BRYAN R. COLE, TEXAS AM UNIVERSITY ? 2002, ASQ This research is based on a study of Brazosport ISD, an exemplary school district in Texas that used a INTRODUCTION quality management approach that resulted in Educational leaders in the new millennium face a dra- greater equity and higher student performance. Faced matic state of uncertainty. There is a great deal of pres- with deteriorating state test scores in several schools, particularly those with a high population of economi- sure to achieve a range of performance expectations in cally disadvantaged students, this district elected to a climate of student performance and financial apply the philosophy, tools, and methods of quality accountability. Pressure is also mounting from those management as a means to raise student achieve- seeking to create alternatives to public education. How ment through system alignment and improvement of educational leaders perform the role of change agent instructional processes. may well determine the success and future of public The findings of the study reveal a school district that schools. The direction for change must guide schools to successfully transformed its approach to education, be more productive, effective, efficient, and human. redirecting its goals and processes to assure the suc-