Abstract

To understand the process and substance of the Portrait of a Learner as an educational reform in Nevada through examining the experiences of individuals leading the initiative and to connect what is learned to educational reform in a larger context. A comprehensive literature review was cross-referenced with in-depth interview and focus group results from the Nevada Department of Education and two school districts. This qualitative study might be best described as a purposive, non-randomized study. Fifteen participants, including teachers, administrators, policymakers, and nonprofit professionals participated in interviews and/or focus groups, which were semi-structured. The data were analyzed and organized by theme. The themes emerged and evolved through Creswell's spiral analysis approach (2017). Four findings emerged including reasons to change, process of the Portrait reform, substance of the Portrait reform, and worries. Each of these categories is explored with multiple themes highlighted. The findings from this study illustrate an active policy subsystem with multiple advocacy coalitions influencing educational change in Nevada. Creating a Portrait is just the beginning of the work, with extensive time needed afterword to create conditions for the reform to activate. Nonprofit professionals played an important role in supporting the work. Districts and states should not "plug and play" a Portrait--they must go through the process for the reform to be viable. Leadership and a rogue spirit are essential for sustainability.

Degree

EdD

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Educational Leadership and Foundations

Rights

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