Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Educational Administration
First Advisor
Donahoo, Saran
Abstract
Little research exists regarding grade span configuration and academic achievement in the state of Illinois. With the continued pressure of accountability, schools find themselves under pressure to positively impact student academic achievement. This study describes the strategies and approaches used in elementary schools in the state of Illinois that have been designated by the state as either commendable or exemplary. The two research questions that guide this study are: (a) What effect will different grade span configurations have on the IAR of students receiving instruction at attendance centers in the content area of math? (b) What effect will different grade span configurations have on the IAR of students receiving instruction at attendance centers in the content area of reading? Data was collected from administrators and teachers using structured interviews. Data indicate that schools identified by the state of Illinois as either commendable or exemplary use similar approaches to improve student skills, which leads to academic achievement. Data also indicated that teachers and administrators identified some drawbacks to the grade span configurations of their schools. Further research is needed to confirm the results of this study and should include input from parents and superintendents.
Recommended Citation
Ross, Marilynn. "Educator Perspectives On The Effectiveness of Attendance Centers." (Spring 2024).