Describing and increasing the resiliency of middle grade students in a small charter school
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Amy Elizabeth Jacobs (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- John Habel
Abstract: Resiliency is a term used to describe personal or environmental characteristics
that foster a process of successful adjustment and transformation regardless of the risk
and hardship (Benard, 1995). Certain youth have been shown to be deficient in resiliency
based on the way particular factors impact their lives and their ability to successfully
cope with these factors (Long et al, 2006). Factors that can be instrumental in causing
youth to be deficient in resiliency are a lack of involvement in extracurricular activities,
disengagement from school, and harsh parenting styles (Greene & Conrad, 2001;
Demmert, 1994; Strand & Peacock, 2002; Borden, Perkins, Stone, & Villarruel, 2005;
Arrington & Wilson, 2000; Lafromboise, 1988). However, all youth can possess life
attributes that help them to become more resilient. Such attributes as high self-esteem,
adult involvement, feeling connected with school, involvement in community, strong
sense of identity, and religious faith are known as protective factors (HeavyRunner &
Morris, 1997; Garrett, 1995; Strand & Peacock, 2002; Garmezy, 1991; Blum & Rinehart,
1997; Ralabate & Klotz, 2007; Werner, 1989). When the protective factors outweigh the
risk factors youth are able to demonstrate resiliency. Furthermore, when youth are
exposed to certain external elements, such crime, substance abuse, and suicide (Greene
2001; Williams 2001), they tend to have more negative outcomes related to overall
resiliency.
A case study was conducted to assess the risk and protective factors present in the
lives of four middle grade charter school students. Observations, interviews, archival
records, and a formal resiliency scale were used and triangulated. This information was
then analyzed and coded to aid in discovering themes for factors related to resiliency. A
plan to increase each student’s protective factors and decrease his or her risk factors was
developed and presented to the charter school.
Describing and increasing the resiliency of middle grade students in a small charter school
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Created on 7/19/2010
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Other
- Language: English
- Date: 2010
- Keywords
- resiliency
- Subjects
- Charter schools -- Southern States
- Middle school students -- Southern States
- Resliience (Personality trait) in children -- Southern States
- Middle school education -- Southern States