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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Education
Notes
- Abstract:
- Purpose: The intention of this phenomenological study was to portray the phenomenon (Creswell, 2007) of the school-based at-risk program via the lens of administrators at alternative educational school-based facilities in the Central Florida Region. The Central Florida Region has seen a continual increase in the number of at-risk programs created during the last decade of the 20th century (NCES, 2002). If the demand for these facilities continues, this present study may offer beneficial commentary to future leaders of new and existing at-risk programs. This investigation addresses the current body of knowledge about at-risk programs; attempts to shed light upon at-risk program effectiveness, reviews present institutional regimens, suggests ideas to reduce at risk student behaviors, and promotes ideas focused upon enhancing the overall quality of at-risk programs. Method: A qualitative method of research and analysis was employed to conduct this study. Evidence from phenomenological research derived from first-person accounts of life experiences (Moustakas, 1994) was collected via an online survey questionnaire completed by ten purposively selected (Patton, 2002) participants in the Central Florida Region. Data analysis procedures utilizing Moustakas (1994) three-prong phenomenological approach were exercised to investigate perceptions held by administrators about the phenomenon of school-based at-risk programs. This approach was grounded in postmodern social constructionism (Crotty, 2005) which guided the design and delivery of this research. Major Findings: Participants ‘lived experiences, perceptions, and opinions about school based at-risk programs varied in reference to the four emerging themes concerning At-Risk Culture, At-Risk Programs, Confidence and Commitment, and Future Vision. Participants ‘perceptions revealed the following: at-risk students were described using words and phrases that were non-complimentary; working within the at-risk setting yielded multiple lasting impressions; a positive lens framed benefits, components, and make-up of the at-risk program; motivation centered upon the desire to serve and impact the at-risk population; perceived stress interlaced each description of the working environment; and, significant adjustments were suggested for the structure, staffing, and support services of future at-risk programs.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2010.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 159-175).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Tina Chadha. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- LC4802.C43 2010_ChadhaTina ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- LC4802.C43 2010 ( lcc )
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