Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

6-21-1977

Abstract

Statement of Problem

The problem was to determine the availability and extent of use of public school facilities for community recreation within the school districts of the State of New Mexico according to urban and rural classifications. A secondary problem was to suggest an implementation program based on the survey results.

Methods

The research design used was the survey model. The survey instrument (questionnaire) was submitted to a panel of experts for their critique and recommendations, before mailing the instrument to the desired population. The population for this survey consisted of all 88 public school district superintendents within the State of New Mexico. Responses were grouped into urban and rural classifications. Such groupings will help determine the degree of utilization and demand from the respective urban and rural areas of the state. Copies of the instrument, a cover letter explaining the nature and purpose of the survey and a preaddressed, stamped envelope were mailed to each school district superintendent. The information received from the returned questionnaires was transferred to tally sheets, key punched, verified, and run on the IBM System 360, Model 67 computer for analysis of the data. The Frequencies and Crosstabs subprograms of the Statistical Package For the Social Sciences (SPSS) were utilized for data analysis.

Results

There was a large return of questionnaires from the school district superintendents, 85 of 88 (96.6%). The majority of the respondents to the questionnaire indicated that they were aware of the enabling legislation for school facility use for community recreation, and that there was substantial use of public school facilities by community groups. However, the results show that even though school facilities are available for community recreation within the school districts of New Mexico, a very small percentage of the people (approximately 23%), actually use the facilities. School districts are predominantly rural in New Mexico with Spanish-surnamed Americans, Anglo Americans and American Indians comprising primarily rural representation. The Black Americans are found predominantly in the urban areas of New Mexico. Most urban school districts in New Mexico do have a public recreation agency, while the majority of the rural districts rely on school personnel and boards of education to provide leadership and supervision for recreation programs. The majority of the respondents felt that the major deterrent to school facility use was a lack of good leadership and supervision. Political groups utilize school facilities more in New Mexico than do public recreation agencies.

Conclusions

The following conclusions are presented as a result of careful analysis of the results of this survey:

1. Public school facilities are made available for community use by non-school groups, but the people of the various communities in New Mexico are not utilizing the facilities at a very high rate.

2. The public is not aware of the availability of schools in all districts; more should be done to enlighten the public.

3. School districts and public recreation agencies could operate more successfully through a joint-planning and joint facility use agreement within their respective communities.

4. A state-wide program of public school and public recreation agency involvement for the benefit of the people within the respective school districts should be implemented through the State Department of Education.

5. Qualified, trained community recreation leadership is needed for all school districts in New Mexico, especially in the small rural areas.

6. Elementary and junior and senior high students utilize school facilities for recreational purposes fairly often, but very few adults use the facilities; more should be done to attract adult participation.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Steve Rubio

Second Committee Member

Paul Adolph Klemm

Third Committee Member

Lee Berkey Zink

Fourth Committee Member

Leon Everett Griffin

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