Date of Defense

Spring 4-21-2004

Department

Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

First Advisor

Jane Ryan, Loy Norrix High School

Second Advisor

Erin Zelikov, Loy Norrix High School

Third Advisor

Angie Moe, Sociology

Abstract

Kalamazoo's Loy Norrix High School was the location of a study in conjunction with the institution's school-wide achievement process to aid at-risk students. Characterized by poor attendance, behavioral problems and/or failing two or more subjects, at-risk students are monitored more closely through school-wide efforts. According to the Michigan Department of Education, the effort to hep struggling students implicates the use of supplemental services before or after school to help students in the core subjects: math, science, social studies, and English. Norrix has successfully begun its own efforts to improve the overall academic success of the student body by employing the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) after school. In addition to providing tutoring services in the aforementioned subjects, the school provides access to computers for online research and completion of class assignments.

While recognizing the need for ongoing improvements, Norrix additionally instituted the Student Responsibility Center (SRC), which serves as a middle ground for students between temporary removal from the classroom due to disruptive behavior and the ultimate consequence of punishment, if necessary. SRC staff operate on the notion that each student must be treated as a complete individual. By taking into account and validating the experiences students undergo outside of the classroom, the SRC personnel work individually with each student on understanding and harnessing daily frustrations.

For the purpose of this study, special interest was focused on the African-American male population of Norrix's at-risk students as evidence shows that African=American males are disproportionately represented in the at-risk population within many institutions.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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