Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Beth Robelia

Abstract

As military dependent students relocate, they enroll in multiple schools throughout their K-12 experience. Frequent mobility can create gaps in achievement. The challenge in the local setting is meeting the needs of military dependent students scoring below grade level standards in math. The purpose of the formative evaluation was to determine the effectiveness of the Personalized Education Plan (PEP) program and propose refinements. The conceptual framework included goal setting, motivation, engagement, and self-regulation. The concurrent multi-methods study included a central research question on whether a PEP increased student math scores. Questions about student motivation, engagement, self-regulation, and goal setting followed. Eighteen out of 30 teachers from 2 schools completed an online questionnaire about the PEP program and impact on students. Measures of Academic Performance (MAP) math scores were collected on all students. Quantitative data analysis included a paired samples t test which showed a statistically significant (p <.001) increase between math scores before and after implementation of the PEP. An independent samples t test showed military dependent student scores were slightly higher than for nonmilitary students, but not statistically significant (p > .05). Qualitative analysis of teacher questionnaire data revealed themes in student motivation, engagement, and self-regulation. Evaluation results recommended the district change the PEP program to support continued implementation. The findings contribute to social change by providing critical information that may assist other districts in creating effective goal setting programs for military dependent students.

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