| Abstract |
- The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of
a safety systems approach, so designed, to reduce instructional
needs by the application of research to the conceptualization and
development of a computer-assisted safety management program.
Procedure
Two hundred accredited schools served as the respondent population
for the study. A representative sampling from administrators
in 50 percent of these schools served as the statistical base. A
computer printout provided the data base tabulations for determination
of appropriate product development.
A comprehensive questionnaire was utilized to identify Industrial
Education Safety needs. The questionnaire was designed to facilitate
computer tabulations of statistical data relating to school size, staff
size, number of course offerings, policy development, program
development, program standardization, safety media needs, safety
equipment needs, organizational, housekeeping and in-service
needs.
A Likert-type scale was used to ascertain intensity of
instructor-perceived safety problems. The mean, mode, standard
error, standard deviation, median, variance and missing cases were
reported. Computation of absolute, relative, adjusted and cumulative
frequencies were listed. The adjusted frequency percent was
tabulated and arranged chronologically by percentage to measure
intensity of needs and intensity of problems. An arbitrary lower
limit was selected as a cutoff point in the needs determination. Needs
were classified in administrator, instructor, and student categories.
Further classification determined hardware, software, curriculum,
policy, and media needs. These needs were used as the base line
data to determine product specifications.
A systems approach to satisfy these identified needs was
designed. The approach included research of the literature,
research of developed models and conceptualized proposals. After
problem identification was determined, a conceptual solution of need
and problem removal was flow-charted by means of Program Evaluation
Review Technique (PERT). The resolution of this conceptualization
resulted in a demonstration model. The model was evaluated in
terms of its capability of satisfying the previously identified problems.
Conclusions
A systems approach is an effective tool in the identification and
resolution of broad base needs. A systems approach provides a base
line data format from which global information may be visualized to
better facilitate decision making. A systems approach for conceptualization
to disposition of identifiable needs is demonstratable in product
applicability. A product so designed, through a systems approach,
may be improved, and evaluated in terms of its functions. A safety
education delivery model is an essential tool for program development
at the school district level.
Suggestions for Further Study and Development
This study should be extended to provide an operational model of
general safety program implementation at the Local Education Agency
level. A model should include: (1) policy development at the school
board level; (2) program planning at the district administration level;
(3) program support; (4) student services; (5) instructional support;
and (6) program evaluation. A similar study should be conducted to
determine support services necessary for local education agencies to
reach compliance with Oregon Revised Statutes. A similar study
should be conducted to ascertain the minimal organizational structure
(personnel) needed for the maintenance of a local education agency's
operational safety program. A similar study should be conducted to
provide a documentation process for LEA's to assess their "safety
condition" in relation to Oregon Administrative Rule mandates. A
similar study should be conducted to provide information essential to
the reporting and monitoring of safety programs.
Product development should be extended to include: (1) a radio
controlled receiver /transmitter for machine interrupt; (2) a network
design with central computer capacity for record keeping of machine
use, maintenance, amortization, and expendable cost control; and
(3) individualized instructional materials (by machine) for safety
competence.
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