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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. Short-Term outcomes

6. 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

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

8. Feasibility
Cost-effectiveness for Epworth

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

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