An exploration of the role of the school secretary/administrator in the city of Dublin vocational education committee (CDVEC)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the role of the school secretary/administrator in CDVEC and to make recommendations that will improve the understanding of the role and performance for the benefit of all stakeholders. In completing the study the researcher consulted with stakeholder representatives as to their understanding of the importance of the role. CDVEC is the largest VEC in the Republic of Ireland. It delivers a broad range of educational courses and provides a wide variety of complementary and supplementary services. The focus of this study is on the school secretaries/administrators who work in the twenty- two schools and colleges. The conceptual framework in which the investigative component of the research was carried out was based on a critical theory approach. It focused on best practices in school administration and research carried out in New York and London which was included in the research analysis and served to enrich perspectives and findings. The study was completed in the context of huge change in education and education administration. Many of the legislative and curriculum changes that have taken place over the past decade has impacted heavily on the role and responsibility of the secretary/administrator. Very little research has been carried out on this subject in Ireland to date. As a result very little discussion and change has occurred on how secretaries/ administrators can be upskilled to help them with the many changes implemented and with many more to come. The research findings identified a range of key issues that if addressed would be of benefit to the students and other key stakeholders. Many aspects of the role are clarified and recommendations are made as to how it can support and influence future improvements in CDVEC education