Dr. Woodrow W. Wilkerson: his life and work as state superintendent of public instruction in Virginia, 1960-1974

The study concerned Dr. Woodrow W. Wilkerson who served as State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia from August 16, 1960, to April 1, 1975. His length of service exceeded that of any of the thirteen previous superintendents in the 103-year history of public education in Virginia.

The thesis of the study was that the Commonwealth of Virginia made strides toward improvement in the quality of education during the leadership of Dr. Wilkerson. A detailed biographical study of Dr. Wilkerson pointed out his unique personality influenced by all with whom he came in contact; his family, his church, his college professors, his educational associates, and others. The position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction was discussed with Dr. Wilkerson and six of his associates. The relationship of his position with the State Board of Education, the members of the General Assembly, the various governors, and the local division superintendents was presented. This composite description of the past fifteen years in public education in Virginia indicates how the position actually operated. The legal basis of the position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction was described.

A procedure was established to identify and analyze changes which occurred in public education during Dr. Wilkerson's tenure. General measures of educational quality for the nation were identified. Specific educational goals in Virginia from various sources were established. These goals were classified and given priorities by a panel of experienced educators. A questionnaire was sent to eighteen carefully selected representatives of the Virginia educational community who ranked the goals according to their significance. Ten highest ranked goals were associated with measures of educational quality. A panel selected ten goals for which comparative educational data might be available. A collection of data for the years 1960 through 1974 in Virginia and the nation was made. In many cases comparable data were not available. A determination of the degree of success on the ten measures of quality was made.

The questionnaire also indicated that the major educational goal in Virginia during Dr. Wilkerson's tenure was the standards of quality program. Dr. Wilkerson and close associates were interviewed concerning the development and implementation of the important program. Aspects of the program with which Dr. Wilkerson was involved were discussed in detail. An evaluation of the program and its effectiveness was presented.

Dr. Wilkerson's accomplishments were influenced by the many issues of his time, by the personalities that he encountered, and by the limitations placed upon him by various political and economic conditions. Dr. Wilkerson and his unique personality had a marked effect upon public education in Virginia. The Commonwealth of Virginia made progress in the improvement in the quality of education during the leadership of Dr. Woodrow W. Wilkerson as State Superintendent of Public Instruction.