Date of Award

Spring 5-2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Patricia Conner

Second Advisor

Dr. Sherry DeVore

Third Advisor

Dr. Terry Reid

Abstract

This study examined Missouri’s A+ Schools Program and its impact on school improvement. Effective schools research combined with the mission learning for all provided a conceptual foundation for guiding research development. A mixed-method design allowing a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data was applied using telephone interviews and Likert-scale surveys from A+ Coordinators having two or more years’ experience. Questions about the A+ Schools Program’s success centered on the following: graduation rate, curriculum and assessment, career preparation, rigorous coursework, and at-risk students. As a result, four themes emerged; the first of two were students realizing the importance to graduate and enhanced at-risk programs. Both A+ Coordinators interviewed and those surveyed concluded, the program forced districts to develop methods for increasing graduation rates as well as tracking and maintaining at-risk students. However, the third theme revealed while curriculum and assessment changes were implemented, the changes may not be attributed to the A+ Schools Program. A fourth theme discovered the A+ Schools Program prepared students for college and career paths by counseling them to enroll in appropriate rigorous coursework. A+ Coordinators perceived positive transformations in their districts to be a direct result of the A+ Schools Program. Districts seeking an A+ designation must continue adhering to a strict effective schools model, and the implication for practice is Missouri legislators must maintain funding in the A+ Schools Program with additional schools being designated.

Rights

Copyright 2012

Download

Share

COinS