ABSTRACT
The path analysis thus provides a more rigorous test of the linkages posited in the logic of reform. The aim of a path analysis is to identify the direction and magnitude of "paths," both direct and indirect, by which one factor is related to another, such as the connection between strong democratic practices and systemic restructuring. The path analysis supports the general logic posited in Chicago's school reform. Significant reform activities occurred in all levels of schools—both very low achieving and relatively higher achieving. The chapter examines the direct influence of basic school characteristics on the adoption of a systemic restructuring approach. It considers the associations between basic school characteristics and the three key concepts of Chicago reform—strong democracy, systemic restructuring, and innovative instruction. The chapter concludes that the Chicago School Reform Act actually catalysed broad-based change efforts, it is important to take a closer look at all of these factors simultaneously in a single analysis.
