Environmental influences on nonpublic schools in New York State

This study focused on the relationship between New York State's nonpublic high schools and the New York State Education Department. The study looked at the various environmental influences that affect nonpublic high schools. The study explored what those influences are, how they affect nonpublic high schools, and how nonpublic high schools protect themselves from those environmental influences.The research for the study was designed to gauge the relationship between the State Education Department and the State's nonpublic high schools. The study approached the investigation from three different sources of authority: (a) nonpublic school administrators, (b) organizations that serve nonpublic schools, and (c) the New York State Office of Nonpublic School Services. The study involved the use of open-ended questionnaires administered through personal interviews with 23 different people.The study found that the State Education Department influences nonpublic schools in a number of ways. The most clearly defined way is through the services that are offered by the State. Among those services offered to all schools, including nonpublic schools, are curriculum guides, information mailings, in-service training, recognition (registration and accreditation), and mandated service money. The services offered directly to students in nonpublic schools include busing, textbooks, computer and library funding, in-school nursing services, and services to students with disabilities.Although the study found that the influence of the State Education Department on nonpublic schools was significant, also of importance was how that influence compared to the other influences affecting nonpublic schools. Schools that consider themselves to be college preparatory institutions felt that their biggest influence is the admission requirements of the universities to which their students apply. Another significant influence on the policy of nonpublic schools is the economy. Yet another strong influence on nonpublic schools is the accrediting association to which they belong.The study found that nonpublic high schools also consider as somewhat influential religious associations, the parents, and the school's community.Although other areas of influence include competition from other schools, the influence of local or city governments, and the influence of athletic associations, none of those areas serve as a major determinant of policy for nonpublic schools.