Principal Investigators
Additional Investigators
Jack Fletcher
David Francis
Funding Agency
Overview
This project, housed within the MCPER Dropout Prevention Institute, develops, implements, and evaluates the effectiveness of a dropout prevention program, beginning with students in eighth grade. In addition, this project develops sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade norms for the first valid and reliable dropout screening measure, the Student Dropout Risk Inventory (Michael Vaughn, Roberts, Wexler). The intervention involves implementing a procedure to ensure that students attend school and engage in learning. Beyond the plan provided here, the long-range intention is much larger: to influence public policy in Texas with respect to developing statewide effective practices for reducing dropout and increasing access to higher education for traditionally under-represented students (e.g., low-income or minority students). The intended outcomes are to: (a) develop a dropout prevention program that is feasible for implementation in Texas; (b) evaluate the efficacy of this program; and (c) disseminate the materials and results as a means to influence public policy, reduce dropout statewide, and increase access to higher education.
Procedures
The work consists of a 3-year series of activities that provide unique and persuasive information and materials about dropout prevention: 1 year of intervention development (including the writing of a multivocal synthesis) and 2 years of intervention implementation (including dissemination and policy development). At the beginning of the first year of intervention implementation, students who qualified for the study were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, in which the students will remain during the intervention’s implementation years: (T) dropout prevention only or (C) “business-as-usual” comparison.
Field Trips, 2009–2010
The University of Texas at Austin, November 12, 2009: Students toured the stadium, visited the Jester Center dorms, and spoke with fraternity and sorority members about their path to college and becoming involved in the community.
Art Institute of Austin, December 10, 2009: Students toured the institute and observed the hands-on learning of culinary arts, media arts, visual arts, and more.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, January 14, 2010: The museum granted Project GOAL students a scholarship that included access to the museum exhibits, a viewing of the IMAX film Texas: The Big Picture, and a viewing of The Star of Destiny at the Interactive Spirit Theatre. Each of the exhibits and films featured the history, diversity, and innovation of the people of Texas.
Texas State Capitol, February 17, 2010: Students took an interactive tour of the state capitol, learned about its history, explored what takes place there today, discovered what makes the building such an important place, and took part in a scavenger hunt.
Explore UT, March 6, 2010: Students took part in the daylong program, in which every college on campus offers activities, demonstrations, lectures, tours, or events that offer a glimpse into what happens behind the walls of the colleges. Many of the Explore UT events are designed for prospective students.
Austin Community College: Students interested in criminal justice and automotive mechanics visited classes in session and found out how they can prepare for a career in these fields.
Timeline
2008–2011
Participants
Approximately 70 students who are at risk for school disengagement and, ultimately, school dropout
Sites
Austin-area schools
Outcomes
Research is ongoing.