The Characteristics of Effective Mentoring Programs for At Risk Students as Perceived by Selected Georgia Principals

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of successful mentoring programs principals perceived most effective with at risk students. The research conducted intends to be a resource of organized support systems for students considered at risk for academic failure. As an educator, the researcher understands the value of mentoring programs and the support that mentors offer. Mentors create opportunities for students to build self esteem, connectedness, and make healthy decisions through guidance given by one on one or small group interactions. Employing a research instrument composed of ten questions designed to elicit responses relating to two research sub questions, the researcher interviewed nine Georgia principals to ascertain their perceptions of effective mentoring programs serving at risk students. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for recurring patterns and themes by the researcher. The data displayed in this study was gathered through the use of qualitative methodology. The primary instrument used for this investigation consisted of in depth interviews. The results from the analysis showed that principals view educators as playing a vital role in the success of at risk students. Many viewed educators as role models for students that provide motivation in reaching high expectations set by school and system personnel. The respondents believed there are students that fail despite the schools efforts. Each of them stressed the importance of developing an individualized instructional plan to meet the specific educational needs of at risk students. The results of the study were viewed as being particularly valuable to educational stakeholders such as principals, parents, and students of schools who serve student populations where at risk students (subgroups) have not met adequate yearly progress (AYP) as determine by the Georgia Department of Education and No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education in Education Administration (Ed.D.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development

Year dc:date.available

2007

Author dc:creator

• Bush, Tujuana Carlene

Contributors dc:contributor

• Abebayehu Tekleselassie
• Leon Spencer

• ETD
• At risk students
• Principal's perceptions
• Mentoring programs
• Mentoring in education

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/243

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1243