Education Commons^™

Impact Of Response To Intervention On Achievement, Aimee Leigh Dennis

Education Theses and Dissertations

The Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice focused on an initial comprehensive assessment of the Response to Intervention (RtI) framework, implemented in a district in East Texas, and its impact of student achievement. Following the evaluation, a subsequent improvement iteration concentrated on the impact of RtI, with the use of job-embedded professional learning, on student achievement. Both iterations utilized a mixed-methods case study using an embedded experimental model with a one-phase approach. The findings highlighted that student achievement did improve with statistically significant results except for in the second iteration where there was not statistically significant results in fifth and sixth …

The Effects Of Homelessness On Student Outcomes, Lucinda Sade York

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research was designed to evaluate the effects of homelessness on student outcomes in the area of attendance and academics. Studies showed a higher percentage of families who identify as homeless over the past two decades. As a result, the federal McKinney-Vento Act was formulated to help target those students and families who struggle with adequate housing. However, the premise of the McKinney-Vento Act does not extend beyond providing such services. In the arena of academics and attendance, little educational data has been researched to combat the possible struggles students possess particularly in the areas of reading and math. Notably, …

Academic Performance Of Low Ses At-Risk Black And Latinx Students: A Case Study Of Teachers’ Perceptions, Shelly Lynn Anderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study determined the perspective of the teacher when researching low SES at-risk Black and Latinx students’ academic performance. Research, over the years, not only highlight reasons and evidence for the low academic performance and the struggles the low SES at-risk Black and Latinx students face. In addition, research also recommends educational interventions that are not effective in bridging the achievement gap of low SES at-risk Black and Latinx students in comparison to their wealthier, White counterparts. Previous research denotes that school districts desire to implement educational interventions for struggling learners; however, theories, strategies, and interventions often do not translate …

The Relationship Among Learners’ At-Risk Indicators And Ninth Grade Algebra I Achievement, Sara E. Tudon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between at-risk indicators including socioeconomic status, English language learners (ELL), and gender to student performance in the Algebra I End of Course assessment. The research questions presented in the non-experimental quantitative research design were: (1) What is the impact of socioeconomic status on the Algebra I EOC exam? (2) What is the success rate of ninth grade students identified as English Language Learners (ELL) compared to non-identified ninth grade students in Algebra I? and (3) What is the difference in ninth grade Algebra I achievement between males and females? (4) …

The Impact Of Intervention Programs For Teenagers At Risk Among Middle And High School Students In Southeast Missouri, Bryan Austin

Dissertations

At-risk students have been noted to be exposed to high cases of early school dropout, late graduation, poor academic performance, and engagement in risky behaviors, such as drug and substance abuse. While research has reported poor transition to future careers and adult life among at-risk students, little is known regarding intervention programs used in Missouri schools to motivate at-risk students. The objective of this study was to investigate intervention programs being used to retain and engage at-risk middle and high school teenagers in Missouri and identify effective intervention programs that might help promote their success in school and subsequent transition …

Easing The Middle To High School Transition: An Evaluation Of The Gold Program, Leilani Shive

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Some effective components of effective transition programs include using a freshman academy or school-within-a-school model, teacher and peer mentoring and summer bridge programs. This study analyzed the effectiveness of the Gold Program, a middle to high school transition program for at-risk youth in a large urban high school in the southwestern United States. This program incorporated those components in addition to several others, such as: parent involvement, career and technical education, blended learning, behavior interventions, and Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC). Individual components of the Gold Program were chosen to meet the four S’s of Schlossberg’s transition …

Teacher Home Visits: Changes In Perceptions Of Key Stakeholders, Kevin R. Thomas

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Teacher home visits have been shown to improve student attendance, academics and to reduce behavior issues. Three groups are involved: the student, the teacher, and the family (or parent). This research focused on determining if and how the teacher home visit changes the perspectives, expectations, and relationships of these three groups. A survey followed by interviews of some of the students, parents, and teachers was used. The surveys and the interviews were evaluated. Results indicated that perceptions and relationships between stakeholders were improved. Due to low participation rates, results must be interpreted with caution. With these considerations in mind, I …

Motivating Youth On Probation To Post-Secondary Success, Ximena Soto

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Silver Star Youth Program at Rancho Cielo Youth Campus works with at-risk youth ages 15 ½ to 18 to help them achieve a high school diploma. Unfortunately, many Silver Star participants lack the motivation to graduate high school and continue on to higher education or to pursue good jobs. Of the 25 students surveyed, 25% stated having some knowledge about college and future plans after graduation. The remaining 75% of students were unsure or undecided on their plans. This capstone project was designed to motivate these at-risk youth to post-secondary success. Two intern-led workshops provided students with information about …

Music Is The Intervention: The Intersections Of Music As A Therapeutic Activity In At-Risk Youth, Gladys H. Gonzalez Landaverde

Senior Honors Theses

Across the United States, public schools face many discrepancies in the quality and caliber of education that a student can expect to receive. While schools try to address the vast needs of students, many children and adolescents are unfortunately faced with choosing between prioritizing their education and the circumstances faced outside of the school day. The discrepancies in schooling range from the quality in the commonly accepted core curriculum like English and mathematics to the opportunities offered outside of traditional academia like music. Unfortunately, at-risk students are unlikely to have access to music education in the same ease as their …

To What Extent Are At-Risk Preschoolers Effectively Prepared For Kindergarten?, Eliza Santos Lopez

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent Kinder Hearts School’s at-risk preschoolers are effectively prepared with readiness skills for kindergarten academic success. Based on schoolwide assessments, program mandates, and policy changes, an evaluation of this specific program in a Midwest school could determine whether the instructional model used was indeed effective. This study consisted of analyzing data from three student categories: children who attended private preschool programming, children who attended the school’s at-risk program, and children who had no schooling. The data collected was used to determine professional development needed, grant funding allocation, and program delivery …

M&Ms: Mentors And Mentees, Melody B. Johnson

Education Projects

This project focused on the challenge of meeting the needs of at-risk students in an elementary school setting. In response to the literature, we designed and implemented a school-based mentoring program. This project examined whether a face-to-face mentoring program in this school with these students could meet three goals: provide students regular contact with a caring adult, increase student confidence in themselves or their environments, and reduce behavior infractions. These students, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade, were identified for social-emotional and/or behavior issues by their teachers, administration, or guidance counselor. School employees served as the pool for mentors, and …

The Impact Of Using An Online Learning Management System On Student Biology Achievement In A Hispanic Rural High School, Brent J. Burkott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose for this study was to determine the effect of using online Learning Management Systems with a Blended Learning pedagogy on state assessment achievement of high school biology students with interactions analyzed based on teaching method (Face-to-Face/Blended Learning), course type (Honors/Regular) biological sex (Male/Female), risk factor (At-Risk/Not At-Risk), and socioeconomic status (High/Low). The research questions were: (1) What is the difference in achievement scores between students taught in a Blended Learning environment with a Learning Management System verses a traditional Face-to-Face learning environment, and (2) What differences in achievement exist on the Texas assessment based on teaching method, course …

From At-Risk To Graduation: A Causal Comparative Study Of Mentoring The At-Risk Student With The Jag Model, Stacy Bishop Carlton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

It is imperative for students to graduate career-ready in order to enter the employment field and fill this gap. This research examined a non-experimental causal-comparative quantitative study of at-risk students and their career readiness upon graduation. The effectiveness of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) mentoring program was analyzed to determine the impact of career readiness among these at-risk students. A comparison of the data of at-risk students enrolled in the JAG program versus at-risk students not enrolled was compared to determine their career-readiness skills upon graduation. A review of the research showed that early intervention significantly increased the success of …

Targeted Intervention For Distance Learning Students: A Critical Participatory Action Research Approach, Kathleen Mohr

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this critical participatory action research was to explore the learning experiences of distance learning students with academic penalties and to work collaboratively with students and institutional stakeholders to co-develop an intervention tailored to this unique population. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.

African American Freshman Students’ Perceptions Of Student Persistence At A Historically Black College, Callie Taylor Herd

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was the low retention of African American freshmen at a private Historically Black College. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to learn what factors influence an at-risk freshman student’s decision to persist or leave college so that interventions related to positive change can be proposed. Tinto's student integration model and Bean’s causal model of student attrition were the conceptual frameworks that grounded this study. The research question focused on African American freshman students’ experiences that influenced their ability to persist. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 purposely selected participants representing first-year students …

Lessons From The Past And Challenges For The Future: Inclusive Education For Students With Unique Needs, William Evans, Robert A. Gable, Amany Habib

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

The school-age population of students is becoming increasingly more culturally and linguistically diverse. There is mounting recognition that English Learners (EL) represent a unique group of students who have special educational and linguistic needs. This article considered the needs of learners with diverse special needs such as (a) learning and behavior challenges and (b) English Learners identified as students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE). We highlighted some potential lessons to be learned from past-to-present efforts to serve students with behavior problems. Selected evidence-based practices were featured that are applicable to learners with special needs, thereby supporting the development …

College 101: Sharing Experiences And Stories For Transformative Change, Christine Robinson

Journal of College Access

College 101 is powerful Pre-College Opportunity Program (PCoP) designed to expose at-risk high school students to the benefits of post-secondary education, to motivate them to stay in school, and to help them envision a future that includes post-secondary education. The unique features of College 101 include that it is grounded in the pedagogical approach of Real Talk (Hernandez, 2015), and that it is led mainly by College Positive Volunteers (CPVs). The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of at-risk high school students who engaged in the program at a mid-sized research university located in the Midwest. An …

Promoting Higher Education, Sandra Estrada

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Learning For Life Charter School is an alternative school that serves at-risk students. Due to challenges these students face, it is difficult for them to graduate and pursue higher education. Higher education can provide students with many opportunities. Financial issues, low motivation, and even lack of awareness of the multiple college opportunities available contribute to students failing to attempt or complete higher education. This leads to consequences including less opportunities in the future, lower lifetime earnings, and long-term health effects. In order to support and encourage the Learning For Life Charter School students to pursue higher education, educational workshops were …

Mapping A Course To Success: The Relationship Of A College To Career Navigation Exploratory Course To Academic Success, Patrick D U Davis Sr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative, comparative study was to determine the relationship between retention and academic success of students who participated in a College to Career Navigation exploration course and students who did not participate in the course at a rural, community college serving a 14-county area in the Southeast U. S.

Archival data were collected from the participating community college’s student information system. Other data examined for this study included the student’s gender, at-risk status, and age. Retention data of the first-year, full-time students were collected and measured in accordance with the enrollment requirements of the community college’s governing …

An Analysis Of The Impact Of Interventions Provided To At-Risk, Ninth-Grade Students, Staci Dreher

Theses and Dissertations

In this mixed-methods study, the researcher set out to identify factors that affect the overall success of students during their first year of high school, thereby directly impacting the graduation rate. In my state when a student enters high school, they are assigned a 9GR (9th grade Graduation) code. This code is determined by looking at the year of the spring semester of the ninth-grade student’s first year of high school, and this represents the year the student should graduate. When a student does not graduate during the year of their assigned 9GR code, it can have repercussions not only …

A Comparison On The Effects Of Two Curriculum Approaches For Elementary Early Literacy, Christopher Alan Pennington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this ex post facto quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine whether the use of a teacher-modified literacy curriculum approach was effective in significantly reducing the achievement gap between demographic subgroups, when compared to a curriculum approach of rote teaching. Using gender, race, and lunch status as nominal variables, this study examined differences in pre- to post-test increases in phonemic/phonic skills between groups. Samples were comprised of first-grade students from two school systems in Alabama. School system one consisted of a treatment public elementary school in northwest Alabama (n = 56) that utilized the teacher-modified curriculum approach. School …

The Domino Effect: Lessons From The Prison Walls, Trent Grundmeyer, Jamie Ross

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This presentation is designed to provide insight to those who serve at-risk populations. Participants will explore the risk factors and statistics around at-risk youth. Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from an incarcerated women who can testify to successful and unsuccessful interventions adults attempted to help her with. She is both a victim and success story that is the face of how education can indeed make a difference for kids.

After successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Build empathy for students who do not have support from parents.
2. Understand why attendance is often …

Impact Of The West Virginia University Mountaineer Success Academy Program From 2012-2015, Ashley D. Watts

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

As state funding for universities decline and funding becomes based more on outcomes like retention and graduation rates, universities must focus their efforts on assessment and delve deeper into uncovering issues that prevent students from graduating. Once issues are identified, it is in the best interest of the university to develop, implement, and assess support services that may provide students with resources that could lead to their success, thus improving graduation rates. At West Virginia University, the Mountaineer Success Academy (MSA) was created to serve eligible students who were undecided or did not meet the requirements for their desired major. …

Personalized Learning: An Engagement Strategy For At-Risk Student Populations, Abbigail Morris

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Personalized learning in the United States experienced a resurgence in the educational landscape as a result of increased technology access and computing power. The availability of affordable technology, software solutions, and access to the Internet led to the infiltration of technology into personalized learning approaches and provided a new platform for personalized learning advocates. Engagement and student agency were components of personalized learning attracting many educators to reinvest in personalized learning opportunities. This study focused on a rural, western Kentucky school district that piloted personalized learning through a blended learning environment. The study sought to measure engagement levels of both …

The Correlation Between Quality Mentoring Relationships And African American Males' Overall Engagement And Academic Success, Cedric Gerard Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mentoring has been the saving grace for many African American males. The positive influence of a caring adult, in many cases, shifted their academic path from danger to success. Programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have provided opportunities for students at-risk to form positive relationships along with a better outlook on life. The purpose of this correlational study is to determine if a relationship exists between quality mentoring relationships and attendance, behavior, and cumulative grade point average of African American males. The research questions guiding this correlational study are: 1) Is there a relationship between quality mentoring …

Challenges Of Underserved Students In Disadvantaged Schools: Influence Of Training On School Counselors’ Self-Efficacy, Latonya Lovet Bunch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A child’s social, mental, and emotional well-being is significant to his/her daily functioning and academic achievement. Socioeconomic impoverished students are often burdened by traumatic experiences and stressors from their homes, communities, and school environment that can exacerbate academic difficulties. Schools in low socio-economic status (SES) communities are frequently coupled with educational disadvantages. Consequently, the lack of expectations, resources, training, and qualified staff often characterizes schools in these communities. For these reasons, these challenges require additional development of school counselors’ capabilities. To serve all students, it is important for practicing school counselors to increase their awareness of the specific needs to …

How A School Leader Creates A Successful Dropout Prevention Program: A Case Study, Alan J. Sorensen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single instrumental case study was to understand how a school leader develops policies and programs that create a successful dropout prevention program. The three theories used in this study included constructivism (how people learn), social-cognitive learning theory (how people think, feel, and behave influences their ability to learn), and attribution theory (how people interpret and explain behavior). The central question and subquestions of this study revolved around how administrators and teachers perceive a school leader develops policies and programs that create a successful dropout prevention program. Data collection included documents, testimonies written by graduates, individual interviews, …

Local Case Management Teams: A Case Study Of A Whole Approach To Ninth Grade Intervention For Students At Risk For High School Dropout, Jessica Anne Grant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Based on existing empirical research, schools continue to use single intervention programs for intervening on behalf of at-risk students despite the fact that those programs do not meet with significant success in decreasing dropout rates. The problem is that the phenomenon of multidimensional approaches to intervening on behalf of ninth-grade students has yet to be explored and understood. The purpose of this single case study was to describe the critical case of Local Case Management Teams utilizing a multidimensional approach to intervening on behalf of at-risk ninth grade students in a large suburban school district in Utah. The following research …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Teachers Who Form Positive Relationships With At-Risk Students In Title I Middle Schools In The Southeast, Natasha Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of teachers who form positive relationships with at-risk students in Title I middle schools. The theory guiding this study was Nel Nodding’s ethic of care as it relates to the teacher as a caregiver interested in the expressed needs of the students. Using a qualitative transcendental phenomenological design, 15 southeastern Title I middle school teachers were selected to participate in the study. The central question guiding this research was: How do teachers describe their experiences of forming positive relationships with at-risk students in Title I middle schools? Sub-questions …

Just "Level The Playing Field" And Watch Me Excel!, Baruti K. Kafele, Baruti K. Kafele

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This engaging, interactive, self-reflective session focuses on equity at the classroom level. It challenges teachers to look within themselves relative to how they relate to and engage with their at-risk students of color and other underserved students. It challenges teachers to confront whatever biases they may bring to these students that may be either blatant, subtle, undetected or unacknowledged. It argues that high-performance is an impossibility in classroom environments where equity fails to exist.