Date of Award

1997

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Michael B. Gilbert

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze and evaluate the development and implementation of an experimental, school-within-a-school alternative environment, the Graduate Academy, after the first year of implementation. The study addressed those factors which set the Graduate Academy apart from the traditional school setting including the intake process, recruitment of teachers, selection of curriculum, staff development, incentives, ecological factors, parent involvement, and school-business partnerships. The subjects of the study were high school students who shared credit deficiency as their common risk factor. The methodology used was the descriptive narrative case study chosen because of the complexity of the alternative environment and the uniqueness of the social setting. Classroom observations, unstructured pre/post interviews of student applicants and participants, student records, and anecdotal records made by the participant observer were among the forms of data collection. Specific instrumentation used in the study included Kahler's Process Communication Model Personality Pattern Inventory. Descriptions of students, staff, parents, business partners, supporting community social agencies, physical facilities, curriculum choices, incentives, and academic successes were provided in the findings of the study. Recommendations derived from the study included: (1) choose staff members who desire to work in the environment; (2) use an interview/contract as part of the intake process; (3) maximize the use of flexible and individualized scheduling, project-based curriculum, and incentives; and (4) form school-business partnerships and use community social service agencies.

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