The Effects of Isomorphism on the American State Normal School: The Case of the Institution in Cedar Falls, Iowa from 1890 to 1915

Abstract

This case study analyzes the transition of the American state normal school to teacher's colleges using a theoretical lens of isomorphism. This research draws upon mostly primary sources including journals, personal correspondence, published speeches, newspaper articles, and year books. Upon examination of the transition which took place at the institution located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, it becomes clear that the state normal school adopted more than simply a title change in hopes of elevating its status among other institutions of higher learning. Curricular additions, department organization, new titles for faculty and staff, and administrative transitions were among the changes which took place in Iowa. This study finds that isomorphic pressures eventually led to the state normal school emanating institutional trends at the state university in order to survive as an institution of higher learning.