Date of Award

Spring 2-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Julie Williams

Second Advisor

Dr. Sherry DeVore

Third Advisor

Dr. Terry Reid

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if poverty impacts average daily attendance, discipline infractions, or dropout rates of students in today’s society. The study included an in-depth analysis of homelessness, the influence it plays when educating children across the country, and the barriers schools face when dealing with families who live in poverty. According to Blad (2014a), enrollment of homeless students and those who qualify for free and reduced price meals are at record highs in the United States. Over half of the students in Missouri schools qualify for free and reduced price meals (Rapheal, 2014). The effects of an intervention program implemented by one rural Missouri school were addressed. The academic achievement of this particular subgroup in comparison to those who did not receive the intervention were closely examined. Data over a six-year period of time, three years before implementation and three years after implementation of the program, were analyzed to determine if a measurable impact could be noted. After review of the data, a significant impact could only be noted in number of discipline referrals. Although the dropout rate and average daily attendance slightly improved, the change was not enough to warrant a significant difference as measured by a t-test.

Rights

Copyright 2017

Share

COinS