| This study uses qualitative inquiry techniques to investigate the implementation of a policy of universal access to secondary education (USE) in the Commonwealth of Dominica, which was formally launched in 1996. The study focused primarily on the impacts of USE on secondary school principals and was guided by four questions: (1) What is the USE policy and what is its background in the Dominican context? (2) How have the principals prepared themselves and their schools for USE? (3) What are the effects of USE on the principals and their schools? (4) What do principals say that they need in order to implement the USE policy?; While USE resulted from a combination of international, regional, and national factors, the latter were among the principal determinants of the policy. First, following the attainment of universal primary education in the 1970's, Dominicans had been looking forward to universal access to secondary education. Second, there was the need to make access to secondary education more equitable. Third, globalization highlighted the need for a diversified national economy and the creation of a trained labor force. The Ministry of Education (MOE) hoped to implement USE incrementally through The Basic Education Reform Project (BERP)---1990 to 2001, the Secondary Education Support Project (SESP)---1997 to 2001, and a pilot project at a secondary school.; However, the study revealed that the implementation of USE is not proceeding as planned. The participating principals acknowledged receiving some, albeit inadequate, support and resources. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
