Date of Award

Fall 11-29-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

School of Education

First Advisor

Dr. Kimberly Dean

Second Advisor

Dr. Steven Gulkus

Third Advisor

Dr. Christine Bryan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Positive Actions curriculum on the academic achievement, attendance, self-esteem and external behavior of students with emotional disturbance. This study was conducted using a quasi- experimental, ex post facto, casual comparative design. The sample population was made up of 2,954 sixth through eighth grade students from three middle schools in a suburban school district. Results revealed no measured impact from the Positive Actions curriculum after one year on academic achievement, attendance, as well as most areas of student reported measures of self-esteem. There was a statistically significant impact from the Positive Actions curriculum on the general education teacher observed external social emotional learning behavior of students with emotional disturbance. Recommendations for assessment of long term impact of the curriculum are presented.

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