Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1997

Thesis Director

Freddie A. Banks, Jr.

Abstract

The purpose of this field study was to ascertain the perceptions of former Tamaroa, Illinois, Grade School students regarding their transition to Pinckneyville High School. The research questions were:

1. How successful were former Tamaroa Grade School eighth graders at Pinckneyville High School as evidenced by perceived high school academic standing?

2. What are the perceptions of former Tamaroa Grade School students regarding issues related to the importance of completing high school?

3. What are the perceptions of former Tamaroa Grade School students attending Pinckneyville High School regarding adjustments needed to perform well academically in high school and graduating?

4. What practices can the staff of Tamaroa Grade School implement to assist their graduates in transitioning effectively regarding academics to Pinckneyville High School and graduating?

5. What are the perceptions of former Tamaroa students concerning Tamaroa Grade School's effectiveness of preparing them to perform well academically at Pinckneyville High School?

Thirty former Tamaroa Grade School graduates who attend or attended Pinckneyville High School were individually interviewed at Tamaroa Grade School in the spring of 1997 by the researcher. The students were chosen through a stratified random sample from Tamaroa class records for the school years 1990-1991 through 1995-1996. The researcher attempted to control for gender and achievement level of respondents.

Respondents were asked thirty questions from an interview schedule designed to answer the research questions. Ideas for the research questions were based on a review of literature and research regarding common transition problems students face.

Regarding research question 1, it was concluded that respondents were, in general, academically successful at Pinckneyville High School. Regarding research question 2, it was concluded that respondents generally felt it was important to receive a high school diploma. It was also concluded that respondents perceived that they were not likely to drop out of school. It was further concluded that the Tamaroa staff had encouraged them to complete high school, and the Tamaroa staff did put enough emphasis on the importance of staying in school.

Regarding research question 3, it was concluded that there were some adjustments needed in high school, but most respondents were able to make these adjustments. Adjustments needed were to allow more time for homework in high school and be prepared for harder high school instruction, especially in mathematics courses.

Regarding research question 4, it was concluded that the Tamaroa staff did an adequate job of preparing students to compete academically with other students at Pinckneyville High School. Regarding research question 5, it was concluded that the Tamaroa staff was generally successful in preparing respondents to perform well at Pinckneyville High School except for preparation in mathematics and science.

Recommendations made to the Tamaroa staff by the researcher were:

1. Assign more homework to students in all courses of study so they will be better prepared for high school.

2. Upgrade the instruction offered in mathematics courses so it is more challenging to the students and will better meet their needs for high school.

3. Articulate the curriculum with that of Pinckneyville High School.

4. Update current curriculum to include a research-oriented computer course, life skills course, and shop course.

5. Evaluate the science curriculum.

6. Conduct a study to identify the reasons why former Tamaroa Grade School students have dropped out of high school.

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