Date

Winter 2023

ESRP 9000 Professor

Gina L. Peyton, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Gina L. Peyton, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

The outcome of the strategic research project revealed the need for the implementation of a student assistance resource program at Miami Northwestern, an inner-city high school in Miami, Florida, to address the school’s historically poor retention issue. Addressing student retention is vital because students who dropout tend to have lower paying jobs, limited future abilities, and adversely affect the progress of the community and society. This project begins with an overview and background of the organization, and a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis was conducted to examine the internal and external factors of the organization. It was discovered that a critical issue the school faces is its poor student retention problem. Four possible solutions to address this problem were identified. Through careful review of the literature, it was determined that fostering positive school-family-child relationships would have a greater impact on improving student retention rates at the school.

Implementing family programs and utilizing student assistance resources were two strategies proposed to implement the solution; however, a Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix unveiled that utilizing student assistance resources was the more feasible strategy to use to address this issue. An action plan with five action steps was developed to implement the program. These steps include (a) evaluating the current student resources available, (b) creating a plan to implement additional resources, (c) promoting the new resources, (d) evaluating the new resources, and (e) continuously assessing the program for improvements. While the findings from the literature reviewed for this strategic research project emphasized the need for the implementation of resources to support students academically, socially, and mentally, it was recommended the resources target students with special needs and those struggling to find success in school. Further research is needed to support this notion.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Language

English

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