Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Programs for Higher Education
Advisor
Sheila Mosley
Committee Member
Sandra Ransel
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
academic achievement, academic failure, alternative schools, behavioral issues, environmental issues, gaming industry, improvement strategies, organization leaders, partnerships in education, qualitative analysis, recommendations, risk factors, school district, school leadership, social norms, social problems, social work, students, university partnership, urban culture, urban problems
Abstract
The social problems of students and society in general have changed dramatically over the past 2 decades, and school leaders are now challenged with how to address these changes effectively while preserving the integrity and purpose of an institution of learning.
This study identified the social, environmental, and behavioral issues facing students in a large, urban school district with a population of over 250,000 students. This qualitative analysis examined the data and risk factors that impact the academic achievement of students and the response by the organization leaders to respond adequately to the challenges.
The school district is situated in a city with very unique urban culture attitudes and social norms. This city’s primary industry is gaming, which seemingly promotes and supports many of the negative behaviors and risk factors that might contribute to the academic failure of students.
The strategy for a plan of improvement was realized through a mutually beneficial partnership with a university school of social work and the school district. The impact and significance of the study are presented along with recommendations for further study and improvements.