Date of Award

2017

Degree Name

Educational Leadership

College

College of Education

Type of Degree

Ed.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Louis Watts

Second Advisor

Cynthia Kolsun

Third Advisor

Edna Meisel

Fourth Advisor

Terry Mullins

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the West Virginia Judges’ Truancy Program used in eight counties from 2012-2015. The study compared attendance rates, dropout rates and graduation rates prior to the implementation of the program and the three years of program implementation, as well as perceptions of those using the program. While much research can be found concerning the topic of truancy and some research on different types of truancy diversion programs, no research has been found on this particular program used in West Virginia. In this study data were collected from the West Virginia Department of Education public site to determine graduation rates, dropout rates, and attendance rates on all counties within the state of West Virginia. A survey was also sent to judges, attendance directors, and building level administrators to gather data related to their perceptions of the effectiveness of the program. The survey was delivered via Qualtrics and the link sent electronically to the individuals. Statistical testing was performed on the data gathered from the West Department of Education. Statistical testing was also performed on the data gathered from the surveys. The data showed significant differences in the attendance rate, dropout rate, and graduation rate during the time period studied. The perspectives of the judges, attendance directors, and building level administrators were not significantly different in the areas of effectiveness of the program including: increasing attendance, increasing academic performance, increasing graduation rate, decreasing dropout rate and changing student attitude about school. There was also no significant difference in the perspectives of judges, attendance directors, and building level administrators on the relative influence of various stakeholders on success of truant youth. Principals, counselors, parents, teachers, and juvenile probation officers were rated as high level of influence on truant youth.

Subject(s)

School attendance -- West Virginia.

School attendance -- Law and legislation.

West Virginia Judges’ Truancy Program.

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