CONNECTING ACROSS SILOS: A COHERENCE APPROACH TO ENHANCING EFFICIENCY OF THE TITLE I PROGRAM IN A SMALL, RURAL SCHOOL DIVISION

Abstract

This study examines the impact of collaborative efforts among central office administrators on the planning and implementation of the Title I program, with a focus on improving academic outcomes for at-risk students. The purpose of the study was to explore how the components of the Coherence Framework, specifically focusing direction and cultivating a collaborative culture, can enhance the planning and execution of the Title I program. Using a convergent parallel, mixed methods design, the study addressed two primary questions: (a) how does focusing direction among central office grant administrators through a collaborative process improve the planning of the Title I program, and (b) how does instituting professional learning communities (PLCs) among central office administration facilitate the implementation of program improvements? Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six participants, a series of four PLCs, and participant surveys. Qualitative data were coded using in vivo and descriptive coding, while quantitative data were converted into numerical values. Findings suggest that focusing direction through collaboration enhances Title I program planning by creating an environment of teamwork, incorporating diverse perspectives, and implementing a structured framework. Additionally, PLCs facilitated program improvements by promoting communication, efficiency, and collaboration, with a structured framework guiding the work. The study highlights the importance of a fully implemented Coherence Framework in division transformation and the necessity of a structured PLC framework to ensure focus and effectiveness. It also suggests that establishing a structured data management system is essential for data-driven planning and leadership. The limited research on central office administrator collaboration highlights the need for further studies, particularly qualitative research to deepen the understanding of this collaboration and studies to assess how Coherence Framework implementation translates to student outcomes.