Abstract
This study is specifically concerned with clinical supervision and its historical perspectives as well as the current practices of clinical supervisors. The aim of this study is to determine whether or not there are research based theoretical constructs and principles underlying clinical supervision, in both its content and the process model. Purpose. The purposes of this study are to: (1) Describe the current status of clinical supervision; (2) Identify theoretical concepts which were the basis of the model and the relationship of these concepts to the model; and, (3) Provide recommendations for a realistic clinical supervision model for practicing supervisors. Procedures. Thirty-six elementary school principals were selected from three school districts which utilized Staff Development Centers. The instrument utilized to collect data was a questionnaire developed by the researcher and field-tested with a separate group of subjects. The questionnaire dealt with current practices of clinical supervision, various models utilized, and theory involved. Interviews were scheduled with each principal and with a district level administrator. The results were classified and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Results. A major conclusion based on the findings of this study is that there is no consistent system of clinical supervision. The content which is observed (i.e., interaction analysis, principles of learning and/or elements of instruction) has changed significantly, although the process (format for conferencing and observation) has remained basically the same. The clinical supervision model has not been based on research although the content presently utilized (Madeline Hunter's principles of learning) is theoretically sound. This study concludes that there is minimal research dealing with the influence of clinical supervision on student achievement or teacher performance as related to clinical supervision, yet one hundred percent of this study's sample felt that improving instruction was the major goal of clinical supervision. An important recommendation is that additional research be initiated using a consistent, viable model of clinical supervision.