Date of Award
1-1-1992
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Child and Youth Care Administration
Advisor
Joan Mignerey
Keywords
High-Risk Students, Educational Technology, Computer Assisted Instruction, Laser Video-Disk, Video-Microscope, Parental Involvement, Behavior Modification, High School, Science Class
Abstract
The problem to be solved in this practicum was how to assist 73 high-risk youths found in five, low-level, science classes. The problem was caused by academic under-achievement, inappropriate behavior and a low-economic status. The writer designed and implemented several intervention strategies to help retain high-risk students in high school science class. There were five corollary objectives to improve students' academic achievement, increase student attendance and punctuality, reduce student office-referrals, and improve their conduct in the classroom. The writer used computer assisted instruction, laser video-disk, video-microcomputer, parental involvement and behavioral-modification techniques to help raise students' academic grades, improve their attendance and punctuality, reduce the number of student-office referrals and improve their conduct. These intervention strategies were implemented weekly for eight months. Observation data of students' test grades, attendance and behavior were collected before and after the implementation phase using a test report form, daily student-attendance report, student file, teacher roll book, and an observation instrument designed by the writer. The outcomes of this practicum were very positive. All five objectives were achieved and even surpassed in some areas. Additionally, there were many unexpected gains and the implications for long-term benefit for the students. Some students from the target population have become prominent athletes while others have been provided with leadership roles in the school. The results from this practicum strongly demonstrate that with the appropriate solution strategies, it is possible to help retain high-risk students in high school science class.