Foster children have been identified as one of the most high-risk groups for academic failure in schools today. However, a small number of foster youth are beating the odds by achieving academically. How are they able to overcome tremendous barriers and succeed? This phenomenological study reports the findings of former foster youth and their P-12…

In order to foster educational resilience in children who face adversity, adults need a clear grasp of which factors are most relevant and motivating for these children. This study asked 50 children (ages eight to 12) who face serious life difficulties to share their perspectives on which factors support academic performance and how those factors…

Phase II provides a more detailed examination of classroom variables important to achievement in Oklahoma schools. Where Phase I addressed all nine of the Oklahoma essential elements using survey data, Phase II focuses on what occurs in Oklahoma classrooms primarily using data from principal interviews, classroom observations (on-site), and video…

In spite of a nationwide concern for the crumbling infrastructure of school buildings, the prospects of passing bond issues to repair or replace buildings are elusive. This study examined positive and negative factors that affected the outcomes of school bond elections in four purposefully-selected school districts in Iowa. Variables that…

This study examines the relationships between effective school-community relations, community support for schools, and student achievement in two communities of different socioeconomic makeup. The study was carried out in a rural area with low and middle income residents and in a suburban area with middle to upper income residents. A validated…