Date of Award
1-1-1991
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Child and Youth Care Administration
Advisor
Polly Peterson
Committee Member
Dr. J. Levy
Keywords
academic achievement, academic motivation, attendance, at-risk students, discipline, dropout prevention, faculty involvement, learning strategies, middle school, parent involvement, secondary education, self-concept, self-confidence, self-esteem, social skills, student attitudes
Abstract
This practicum addressed the problems of at-risk students with poor social and academic skills. Students lacked learning strategies and displayed poor social skills resulting in student drop out. The literature reviewed stressed a multi-level approach to the problem concentrating on the improvement of academic performance, attitude and self-confidence.
This writer's goals were: (a) to significantly increase self-confidence; (b) to sensitize faculty and administration to the problems of the at-risk student; (c) to increase the academic performance of the targeted students; and (d) to improve the attitude of the students toward school. In addressing these four goals, the writer Implemented a multi-faceted program involving faculty, parents, peers and counselor.
Over thirty students were targeted for the program and twenty-eight of these students met the stated goals and objectives of the practicum. Results Indicated that individualization, concentrated effort in learning strategies, in conjunction with parent and faculty involvement aid in raising self-esteem and in keeping the at-risk student in school. Students displayed greater academic motivation due to an increase in self-esteem and expressed positive feelings about themselves resulting in academic success.