Files and links (1)
PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Dissertation
Engaging the Ninth Grade Mind
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Dec 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7270
Abstract
The purpose of this case study was to examine ninth grade student engagement at a comprehensive urban high school. Six hundred fifty ninth grade students were invited to participate in the High School Survey of Student Engagement (HSSSE). Of this group of ninth grade students, 10 were invited to participate in a focus group interview to closely look at individual cases of student disengagement and to understand the students' perspectives of their own disengagement. In addition, 10 teachers participated in individual interviews to gain an understanding of the different teaching methods utilized for lesson design and delivery in different content areas. Data collected sought to answer three research questions: (a) What are the contributing factors to ninth grade student disengagement/engagement in a large comprehensive, urban public high school?, (b) How do teachers impact ninth grade student disengagement/engagement?, (c) How does the transition between middle and high school address students' academic, behavioral, and emotional disengagement needs? The findings identified that connection, relationships, and availability of staff influenced student engagement in school. The research identified that school staff have the ability to facilitate engagement by connecting students' background knowledge to the curriculum being taught in different subjects within the classroom. It was also identified that there is a need for students and their families to be connected to the larger school community. It is recommended that school staff and teachers develop positive relationships with students and families before and as students enter high school. It is recommended that administrators develop and maintain positive behavior support systems for all students in all high school grades to maintain a positive school culture. In addition, teachers need systematic support to effectively incorporate engagement strategies and plan effective academic lessons.
Metrics
51 File views/ downloads
31 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Engaging the Ninth Grade Mind
- Creators
- Holly L. Whitworth - DU
- Contributors
- W. Edward Bureau (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- x, 96 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7270; 991014632604104721