Date Awarded

Spring 2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Education

Advisor

Leslie W. Grant

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods study is to determine if An Achievable Dream Academies are implementing an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of families. Based on the outcomes, decisions will be made to determine if the environment is inclusive or needs to be revisited to encourage family involvement. Participants included the 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11 grade families at An Achievable Dream Academy and An Achievable Dream Middle and High School in Newport News, Virginia. The study used the CIPP model of program evaluation to guide data collect on the context, input, process, and products of the parent involvement program. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using parent surveys, focus groups, home and school documents, and behavior, attendance, and SOL data. The study illuminated the successes and challenges of the program as well as areas of recommended improvement. The results indicated that there was a high level of parent involvement but it did not greatly impact the students’ success. With ongoing program monitoring and evaluation, the program can overcome these challenges and make recommended changes that will result in increased successes for the school and students. Recommendations for future research and program improvement include conducting a comparison study on AAD and a similar program, identifying what factors impact student success, and understanding the factors impacting teacher resistance.

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.21220/W4K010

Rights

© The Author

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