Browsing by Subject "Connectedness"
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Item The effect of small learning communities on indicators of student progress.(2009-06) Bemel, Cheryl StoneThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two different small learning community (SLC) models on indicators of student progress. Participants were 100 students enrolled in a large urban high school in a Midwestern state as well as 23 of their teachers. Of the two small learning community models studied, one was reportedly a high-functioning SLC while the other model was considered poorly-functioning. Students from the poorly functioning SLC were placed into the higher-functioning SLC and comparisons were made. After controlling for pre-test measurement error, increases in attendance were associated with placement in a higher-functioning SLC after one year. Qualitative analysis provided further support to the finding; students' perceptions of their school experience improved after re-placement. Implications of results in terms of the efficacy of SLCs, future directions for SLC research, and the importance of relationships in the educational arena are discussed.Item LGBT students and allies participating in a school-based support program: School performance, connectedness, and perceptions of school climate.(2008-07) Hansen, AnastasiaLesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth are frequently thought to be at-risk in terms of school achievement and socio-emotional variables such as connection to school. Recent research has demonstrated potential of school-based interventions to improve outcomes for LGBT youth. This study compared achievement and school connectedness for a group of high school students participating in a school-based support program for LGBT youth and allies with a group of their peers. Results indicated that no significant differences between groups were found in terms of GPA, attendance rate, or school connectedness. Furthermore, significant differences based upon frequency of participation in program activities were not observed. These results stand in contrast to the majority of previous research. Focus group data indicated that students continue to experience verbal harassment at school, but that they value the support they receive from Gay-Straight Alliance meetings and participants.