First Advisor
Sheldon Loman
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership: Special and Counselor Education
Department
Special Education
Language
English
Subjects
Alternative education, School improvement programs
Abstract
The study addressed the problem of practice of improving on-time graduation rates for students in alternative education settings. Traditional educational systems often fail to meet the unique needs of students in alternative education programs, which could lead to increased barriers towards on-time graduation. Based on improvement science principles, this research utilized Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to systematically test and refine prioritized change ideas to mitigate these barriers with the goal of increasing graduation rates at the focus school. These change ideas included improving social emotional learning through teacher coaching, personalizing attendance calls, and developing individualized student success plans. Through rapid iterative cycles, the study sought to create an adaptable model of effective practices that could be replicated in other schools to address similar challenges. This research provides practical strategies to increase graduation rates and promote equitable outcomes for students in alternative education.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43719
Recommended Citation
Crook, Kayla Dawn Marie, "Beyond Traditional Education: Graduation Rates at an Alternative High School" (2025). Educational Leadership Professional Doctorate Dissertations. 5.
https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/edu_ed_pd/5
Comments
A dissertation in practice submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership: Special and Counselor Education.