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Outcomes of a Character Education Program: Implications for School Districts With Increasingly Limited Resources
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| Presenter(s):
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| Tammy DeRoo, Western Michigan University, tammy.l.deroo@wmich.edu
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| Amy Schelling, Western Michigan University, amy.l.schelling@wmich.edu
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| Monica Lininger, Western Michigan University, monica.lininger@wmich.edu
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| Gary Miron, Western Michigan University, gary.miron@wmich.edu
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| Abstract:
Ethical, social, and emotional development plays a significant role in the academic achievement of children. Combined, the resulting knowledge, skills, and abilities pave the road to success as a contributing member of society. This evaluation is examining the short and intermediate outcomes of a character education program
implemented by the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center in conjunction with schools in Southwest Michigan. Over the course of multiple days, this unique off-site camp program engages students in experiential-based activities that teach and reinforce the principles of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility (HCRR), based on the premise that student improvement in these areas will be evident both in their academic and social endeavors. A theory-driven model is being used to assess impact on students' problem-solving abilities, initiative, independence, and behaviors, as well as overall school climate. In addition, participating teachers will be assessed for evidence of increased skills in classroom management.
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Can't see the Forest For The Trees: Looking Beyond Established Career Education Evaluation Measures Toward the Context for Program and Policy Change
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| Presenter(s):
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| Grant Morgan, University of South Carolina, morgang@mailbox.sc.edu
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| Mark D'Amico, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, damico_mark@yahoo.com
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| Abstract:
For nearly 15 years, many College Tech Prep partnerships between K-12 school districts and community colleges have been evaluated using pre-determined data points. In some cases, measures are developed to comply with reporting requirements without careful consideration of individualized program interventions. The purpose of this presentation is to illustrate how further analysis on reported data elements expands the evaluation by addressing the program policy and delivery context within the College Tech Prep environment. More specifically, the study examines how looking beyond the original intent of an evaluation instrument uncovered the relationships between postsecondary education aspirations aligned with career goals and work-based learning experiences (e.g., job shadowing, internships, and/or co-operative education) or career planning assistance. Data were collected from more than 1,500 students completing a career and/or technical education course of study.
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Developing a Contextual Model to Evaluate Education Partnerships in Underserved Areas
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| Presenter(s):
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| Mehmet Dali Öztürk, Arizona State University, ozturk@asu.edu
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| Kerry Lawton, Arizona State University, klawton@asu.edu
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| Abstract:
Over the years, American colleges and universities have attempted to assist historically disadvantaged populations by offering their expertise in research and teaching to schools within the community. However, many university-school partnership efforts are developed without the embedded measurement and evaluation components needed to evaluate their effectiveness. This paper demonstrates the importance of thorough evaluation of university-school partnerships and outlines MEHMET, a conceptual framework that can be used to do so. In addition, this paper also focuses on the most critical step in evaluating effective university-school partnerships, the identification of the layers and levels of measurable engagements and multiple stakeholder perspectives. Last, this paper will describe methodological and statistical considerations that must be made when evaluating partnership efforts between preK-12 schools and an institute of higher education located in a culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse community.
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Business Partnerships With High School Mathematics: Evaluation Towards Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships for At-Risk and High-Performing Students
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| Presenter(s):
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| Paul Gale, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, ps_gale@yahoo.com
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| Abstract:
The context of the ongoing evaluation study focuses on two initiatives targeting different high school student populations. Both initiatives encompass math / science activities that are co-developed by Southern California business partners and math content experts, who work with diverse student populations from urban high schools. Each of the initiatives has professional business partners or law enforcement investigators leading students through authentic examples of the use of math and science in their careers. The ultimate goal of the initiatives is to motivate students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers from local businesses. The study addresses five implementation questions focused on students' learning, engagement, and interests. The presentation will provide a framework for the study, results, and examine issues presented by stakeholders.
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