Research proposal Epworth Children’s Home Ashton Petta, Christine Willis, Lindamarie Olson

Research Identified Problem: Children in residential care are subject to poor educational outcomes and lack of academic success or follow-up through collaboration with the residential care facility and school districts. Hypothesis: If students attend increased academic sessions with a support counselor, their attendance and grade will increase.

Study Length of Study: 3 months (Sept. - Nov.) 20 students in 5th, 8th, and 11th grade 10 students per each approach Group A: 1 30-minute session each month w/ 2 nights of homework help Group B: 2 30-minute sessions each month w/ 2 nights of homework help

Logic model 60 Students Total Needs Assessment Benchmarks Short-Term Outcomes 100% of students below a C average 10% of students would see an increase in grade 18% saw an increase in grade 60% of students have 5 or more absences 10% of students would see a decrease in absences 22% saw a decrease in absences

Short-Term outcomes

Main Findings Two sessions resulted in increased attendance and grade within 3 months compared to one session As grade of student increased, the percentages decreased for both attendance and grade

Methods Limitations Random sample of students (small population) Short-term study Financial limitations Different counselor for each grade

Feasibility Cost-effectiveness for Epworth

Recommendations for further research Long-term study More participants Increased academic support counselors and training

Social work implications Need to advocate for better educational programs for children in residential care