Degree Name

EdD (Doctor of Education)

Program

Educational Leadership

Date of Award

5-2010

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Virginia P. Foley

Committee Members

Pamela H. Scott, James H. Lampley, Cecil N. Blankenship

Abstract

The hope of educators is that children will obtain a strong educational foundation that will lead to life-long learning and a bright future. However, several factors may play a role in hindering a successful outcome. Addressing the at-risk indicators of excessive absences, discipline referrals, socioeconomic status, disability status, early grade retention, and family composition gives insight into struggles students face.

Looking at 6 research questions, an independent sample t test was used to determine the difference in students who had excessive absences and discipline referrals in relation to school success. A chi-square analysis was used to identify the relationship between socioeconomic status, disability status, family composition, early grade retention, and school success.

Results of the study suggested that there was a significant negative relationship between school success and poor attendance and with discipline referrals. Socioeconomic status was not significant when looking at school success. The study showed that students eligible for free and reduced price meals program had nearly the same chance for school success as students who were not eligible for free and reduced price meals program. Disability status and grade retention were not significant factors in school success. Students who lived in a nontraditional family were not at risk for school failure.

Document Type

Dissertation - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Share

COinS