Background/Purpose
Collins (2005) in his best selling book “From Good to Great” proposed 4 major concepts that separated great companies from those categorized as good. Using this framework, we studied a large school district's Systemic Success in PE (SSPE) model for K-6 PE (Prusak et al., 2010). First, we examined its history to determine the beginnings of SSPE and possible relationship to the good to great concepts and principles. Secondly, we examined sustainability over its 38 years of existence in relationship to these concepts.
Method
This qualitative case study used purposeful sampling of participants playing key roles in its creation as well as current administration. This was accomplished using semi-structured interviews (N=11) combined with field notes consisting of 200+ hours of observation over a 5-year time period.
Analysis/Results
Data was analyzed using the constant comparative method (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). Results indicate that good to great concepts were prevalent in SSPE. Specifically, the “flywheel” concept appears to have played a significant role in the inception and sustainability of the SSPE model. However, the beginning of the SSPE model varied from that of business in that its “bottom line” was more subjective allowing for consistent pushing of the flywheel for a longer period of time until it reached sustainability. Another key theme that emerged was “dual leadership” in the SSPE model varying significantly from traditional business leadership structure.
Conclusions
Findings from this study indicate that concepts from good to great do exist in SSPE and while different from the business environment, make a positive contribution.