| The purpose of the present study was to investigate the factors that positively and negatively impacted student achievement in a rural high-poverty school. Bethune-Bowman High School was once identified as a low-performing school, based on its 2001 South Carolina state accountability School Report Card. On the 2006 State Report Card, the school received a rating of "Excellent," which caused it to be recognized as a high-performing, high-need rural school. The design of the present study included a case study using a qualitative, descriptive format.; The participants included administration, faculty, staff, parents, community members, and students who lived the reform process. Data were collected through interviews and focus groups held with these individuals to identify the needs and barriers that were addressed as well as the factors that influenced the increase in student achievement. Documents were also analyzed from the past five years, inclusive of School Renewal Plans, SC Report Cards from 2001 through 2007 and curriculum documents. The findings were then organized into participant perceptions, document analysis, and emerging themes.; The researcher's analysis of the participants' dialogue and school artifacts brought forth the themes of leadership, curriculum development, and climate and culture. The needs or barriers which stakeholders believed impeded the instructional process were funding for instructional resources and technology, teacher quality, curriculum, limited parental support, stakeholder buy-in, and the facilities. The factors which the stakeholders felt impacted the increase in student achievement over the last five years were leadership, teacher quality and instruction, on-site assistance, increased funding, data analysis, individualized student instruction, curriculum and instruction, increased parental support, and improved teacher and student morale due to the new facilities.; The informants agreed the school has increased student achievement, but more work has to be done; which must be realized by the teachers and students. The current needs of the school fall into the areas of parental involvement and student morale. This present study provides insight into the school improvement process of a rural high-poverty school. Most importantly, the opportunity to learn from Bethune-Bowman High School's process is a needed tool for similar schools. |
