With PQDT Open, you can read the full text of open access dissertations and theses free of charge.
About PQDT Open
Search
While the transition from middle school to high school symbolized the coming of age, it is a time in a young person’s life that can create feelings of isolation, disconnect, and an immeasurable sense of loneliness (DeJong & Locker, 2006). The organizational structure found in most public high schools presented problems for many ninth graders as they made the transition to high school (DeJong & Locker, 2006). Analysis of research identified effective strategies aimed at creating a plan of success for ninth graders to include small learning communities and restructuring of traditional high schools (Cole, 2013; McMillan, 2012; Warden, 2011). Therefore, this study sought to follow the path of implementation of a freshman academy, review the success and challenges within the academy and gather personnel and parental perception of the academy.
This basic descriptive qualitative study explored steps taken to implement a freshman academy, explored the positive and negative effects of the implementation, and the perception of the stakeholders regarding their role in the academy utilizing open-ended interview questions. Analysis of the data outlined the path of implementation and revealed three emerging themes: community, relationship, and consistency, interwoven throughout the experiences of all stakeholders. This final analysis revealed a small learning community providing the opportunity for students and staff to build trust among themselves and a network of relationships within the community.
Advisor: | Lemasters, Linda K. |
Commitee: | Monroe, Herbert T., Swayze, Susan S. |
School: | The George Washington University |
Department: | Educational Administration and Policy Studies |
School Location: | United States -- District of Columbia |
Source: | DAI-A 79/02(E), Dissertation Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Higher education |
Keywords: | Freshman academy, Small learning community |
Publication Number: | 10638731 |
ISBN: | 978-0-355-44550-3 |