Quantitative Research on the Effects of School Improvement:

A Study of the Super Global High School Project

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to measure the effect of bringing the Super Global High School (SGH) Program to school teachers. In order to align the premise of the directional and situational awareness of school teachers, in this study I would like to focus on high schools working on research and developmental school programs with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, utilizing the concept of “Professional Learning Community" (PLC) assessment, which was studied in the United States, as a viewpoint to measure school improvement.

The research method was a questionnaire based on indications of school improvement. The questionnaire was mailed in mid-October 2015 to the SGH designated school. In addition, the same survey was conducted at Shizuoka Prefectural High Schools which have not been implementing the project.

Based on the results of the questionnaire, the PLC assessment shows the SGH Program was deemed an effective school improvement tool. In particular, "shared vision and values," have been shown strongly. In addition, the teachers’ attitudes toward learning and supportive relationships between teachers formed. Furthermore, it shows how cooperation is established between the initiatives within the school. On the other hand, it brought one unexpected side effect. Teachers are less willing to give feedback to their peers.