Disrupting Education: High School Principals’ Efforts to Lead Disruptive Innovation and the Influence of Isomorphic Mechanisms

Students today require skills and dispositions different from those of the past. Despite ongoing efforts to initiate change in schools through reform efforts, little has changed within educational institutions. Current reform efforts do, however, create conditions for principals to lead disruptive innovation within their schools. Research is limited on innovation implementation in education and the various ways isomorphic forces may hinder or contribute to the design and adoption of disruptive innovations. The purpose of this study was to examine how high school principals lead disruptive innovation. Additionally, this study sought to understand how the mechanisms of isomorphism influence the adoption of disruptive education innovations in education. The findings from this study reveal that sources of disruptive innovation motivation can be internal or external. Sources of motivation were found to correlate with organizational structure. Additionally, constructs of modern institutional theory were confirmed as findings supported a bidirectional influence between organizations and the greater organizational field. Finally, the relationship between principal and principal’s supervisor was identified as having a varied influence. A positive relationship was found to encourage both internally and externally motivated disruptive innovations, while a negative relationship was found to have little to no impact on the implementation of internally motivated disruptive innovations

Heirloom Spring Wheat Variety Trial Report

UVM Extension began its heirloom spring wheat project in 2007 to determine whether heirloom varieties developed before 1950 could thrive in Vermont’s climate. Many consumers are interested in heirloom wheat as they feel it has better flavor, while many farmers are also interested in heirloom wheat varieties as they may have superior genetics that are better adapted to the challenging growing conditions in the Northeast. This variety trial was established to determine which heirloom spring wheat varieties are viable in Vermont’s growing conditions. Three Vermont heirloom varieties have been re-introduced through this project. Defiance, Champlain and Surprise were developed by famed Vermont plant breeder, Cyrus Pringle during the late 1800s. In addition to the heirloom varieties, AC Barrie and Scarlet, modern spring wheat varieties commonly grown in the Northeast, were planted as a comparison

Winter Barley Variety Trial

With the revival of the small grains industry in the Northeast and the strength of the localvore movement, craft breweries and distilleries have expressed an interest in sourcing local barley for malting. Malting barley must meet specific quality characteristics such as low protein content and high germination. Many farmers are also interested in barley as a concentrated, high-energy feed source for livestock. Depending on the variety, barley can be planted in either the spring or fall, and both two- and six-row barley can be used for malting and livestock feed. Winter barley has not been traditionally grown in the Northeast due to severe winterkill. However, newly developed varieties and a changing climate have encouraged our team to investigate this crop for the area. In 2013-2014, UVM Extension’s Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted a winter barley trial to evaluate the yield and quality of malting and feed barley varieties

Winter Canola Variety Trial

In 2012, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program initiated a winter canola variety trial in Alburgh, VT as part of the 2011-2012 National Winter Canola Variety Trial. In the past few years, many farms in the Northeast have been engaged in on-farm fuel production; farmers must be able to reliably produce a high-yielding crop in order for this to be economically feasible. Growing winter canola holds many possible advantages for Vermont farms since it is sown in the early fall, allowing it to easily fit into rotations following short-season grain or corn. Winter canola is a relatively new crop for the Northeast, and varietal selection is one of the most important aspects of production since it significantly influences seed and oil yield potential. The goal of this trial was to evaluate varieties that can survive the harsh winters of our region and ultimately produce high yields

Summer Cover Crop Mix Trial

Many farmers have realized the multitude of benefits cover crops provide in terms of soil health and fertility. Most farmers, however, plant cover crops in the fall to protect their soils from erosion through the winter into spring while they do not have a crop planted. Summer cover cropping may be another option for growers interested in building soil health. Summer cover crops could be planted throughout the season and offer a wide range of species to select from so benefits are maximized. Another benefit to growing cover crops during the summer is increased whole plant above and belowground biomass. Maximizing biomass can help improve soil quality far quicker than cover crops grown during fall months. Although some of the investigated crops are planted in the northeast as forage crops, little is known about the potential for combining multiple species with the goal of maximizing soil health benefits. In 2014, the University of Vermont Extension conducted a summer cover crop mix trial. This is the first trial evaluating summer cover crop species mixes in the northeast. The trial was established at the Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, Vermont

Organic Soybean Variety Trial

Since 2009, the University of Vermont Extension has conducted soybean variety trials to provide yield comparisons of food- and feed-grade soybeans in Vermont’s climate. Varietal selection is one of the most important aspects of crop production and significantly influences yield potential. It is important to remember however, that the data presented are from replicated research trials from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. Crop performance data from additional tests in different locations and over several years should be compared before making final varietal selections

Organic Winter Wheat Planting Date Trial

In 2012, the University of Vermont Extension conducted a winter wheat planting date trial for the first time. As the demand for local organic wheat has risen over the last few years, UVM Extension has been trying to determine the best agronomic practices for wheat production in the problematic Northeastern climate. Traditionally, producers have planted winter wheat after the Hessian fly free date, 15-Sep. Producers are interested in knowing how late they can plant their wheat in order to plan rotations and maximize yield

Heirloom Winter Wheat Variety Trial

Many consumers are interested in heirloom wheat for flavor, perceived health benefits or its history, while many farmers are interested in heirloom wheat because it may have superior genetics better adapted to the challenging growing conditions in the Northeast. Production of heirloom wheat may also provide a farmer with a value added market with increased returns. This variety trial was established to determine heirloom winter wheat varieties that are suitable for production in Vermont’s growing conditions. This was the third year that this trial was conducted in Vermont

Oat Variety Trial Report

Oats (Avena sativa L.) have a long history of production in the Northeast. Although most oats are planted for a cover crop or hay, grain oats are a potential revenue source for farmers. According to the 2007 census, about 200 acres of land in Vermont is cultivated for oat grain production, with an average yield of 1747 lbs per acre. With the exception of hull-less varieties, oats need to be de-hulled before being used for human consumption and further processing is required to make oatmeal, steel cut oats or oat flour. Since 2009, the University of Vermont Extension has conducted oat variety trials to provide yield comparisons in Vermont’s climate. Varietal selection is one of the most important aspects of crop production and significantly influences yield potential. It is important to remember, however, that the data presented are from replicated research trials from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. The goal of this project was to evaluate yields and protein of thirteen oat varieties

Spring Wheat Crosses Trial

On-farm wheat breeding began in Vermont, in cooperation with UVM Extension, in 2007 with a USDA SARE grant to build farmer knowledge in plant breeding. The goal of this on-farm breeding trial is to develop spring wheat varieties that are suited for organic management in Vermont soils and climatic conditions. Most commercially available varieties are developed in regions with climates, soils and management techniques that are very different from our own. In addition, those varieties are genetically homogenous and inbred for uniformity. This has often led to rapid breakdown of genetic resistance to local diseases. To address this situation, farmers in Vermont have been gaining the technical skills needed to develop their own varieties by making wheat crosses and selections under organic management