A study of the aspirations of the Goessel Unified School District, USD 411 (Kansas)

The purpose of this study was to identify, describe, and examine the aspirations of Goessel stakeholders for USD 411 and their community using an appreciative inquiry research perspective and the theoretical frameworks of social capital. The data revealed seven aspirations. (1) The Community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders aspire to a unique and independent identity for USD 411. (2) The Community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders aspire to maintain a unique and independent school system with high academic standards. (3) The Community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders shared their aspirations to maintain their high degree of quality of life and sense of safety that they perceive to exist in the community. (4) The Community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders aspire to maintain a positive relationship between USD 411 and the churches within the community. (5) The Community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders aspire to embrace diversity. (6) The Community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders have aspirations for community improvements. (7) The Community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders hold a positive view toward meeting the challenges they perceive to face the community of Goessel and USD 411. The data also revealed three challenges. (1) The Community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders recognize the challenges that exist in sustaining a small town atmosphere and are willing to work together to seek a viable community based solution. (2) The Community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders recognize the inherent challenges of sustaining high academic standards in USD 411 due to potential changes in the community’s demographics if population growth is encouraged. (3) The Community of Goessel stakeholders provided evidence of social capital in the community as expressed through high levels of bonding capital and the need to generate more bridging capital. The findings also suggest that the community of Goessel stakeholders and USD 411 stakeholders are willing to work cooperatively to overcome the challenges they face to sustain the community of Goessel and USD 411. Social capital can be found throughout the community of Goessel and USD 411. The data revealed an abundance of bonding capital. The data also revealed evidence of bridging capital. Establishing linkages and bridging capital to outside resources will help the community of Goessel stakeholders achieve their aspirations.

Author

• Fast, John A.

• Rural education
• Goessel Unified School District, USD 411
• Kansas

Identifier

hdl:10057/657

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:soar.wichita.edu:10057/657