The rationale for the chosen methodology is the opportunity for a comparative investigation of control and experimental populations operating in the exact same context. This reduces the risk of unwanted variables.
Details:
The quantitative methodology included 9th graders from 41 Georgia high schools. Using purposive sampling, the study selected participants that had common characteristics such as the traditional 9-12 structure. The primary instrument for measurement was the Governor's Office of Student Achievement-prepared Report Card which includes 7 categories of proficiency. An ANOVA data analysis was used to assess statistical differences between schools in the control and experimental groups based on these Report Cards.
Findings:
Ultimately, this method did not yield evidence...
One wonders if a more nuanced instrument for measuring student experiences might not bring greater insight to the subject.
Personal Reaction:
The findings were particularly surprising given the seemingly positive and needed role serve by the Ninth Grade Academy. This may suggest that broader cultural and community-based factors have an impact which connects the troubled performance of high-schools in both the control and experimental groups.
