Capstone Final Paper

Reece R. Racoma

Capstone 4980

Professor Eric Young

Dixie State University

Introduction

As I was thinking and going through many different ideas for my capstone, I started to become frustrated and unsure of what I felt was going to be an ethical decision. I wanted to participate in an internship that I could first hand be involved with and apply my knowledge towards bettering a company. So, I have chosen to participate in my internship program allowing myself to study and work on a professional project within an academic treatment center.

Within my professional project, I want to study and analyze why Red Rock Canyon School’s graduation percentage is below average. I have decided to indulge into the academic program that RRCS offers and how it compares to other treatment centers within the state of Utah. Also, I have taken the time to contact different treatment centers in order to gain more knowledge and insight on what’s working and the aspects that aren’t working for the students. But, in order to instill the process of learning, I provided my time and effort into working with certain kids on their course material in order to fully understand why things aren’t working out so well for these students.

Within my internship and professional project, I’ve learned a lot about the students and their motivation to graduate. Interning within a treatment center that holds troubled adolescents, I have ran into a couple roadblocks that contradicts my pitch and idea of turning their program around. I have worked with the principle, counselors, teachers, staff members, and students in order to create a pitch for a program change within the structure of the company, but due to their structured program, I was unable to solidify my ideas towards progressing and providing opportunities for the students.

Literature

In society, we are all labeled as an individual which means, we all tend to learn, act, think, and react differently than others. A big problem we have all encountered growing up was that we were being forced into an educational system that forced each “individual” to learn and gain knowledge in the same types of way.  Now, isn’t that contradicting? A major problem within treatment centers typically lies under the wing of the academic program and structure certain centers hold.

Constructivism Theory argues that humans generate knowledge and meaning from interaction between their experiences and their ideas. We instruct constructivism in order for students to engage in problem solving and meaningful context. For children, learning is a bit more meaningful to students when they are able to interact with a problem or concept. Constructivism is supposed to utilize interactive teaching strategies to create meaningful contexts that help students construct knowledge based on their own experiences.

According to Ericsson, in the short film “The Future of Learning”, he states, “We take children and have them adapt to a system not allowing each student to expand on the way they learn best” (Ericsson Video). The system that we enroll our children into, structures every individual to learn and execute their knowledge in the same way. I find that very difficult, due to the different learning abilities and styles each student attains. Ericsson stated, “The system isn’t a great fit for everyone” and within our educational system they make the mistake by conforming each student to work and follow the guidelines set for the system as a whole.

We must understand that we have flaws within our educational system, a major flaw studies have proven is the poorly designed testing system. According to professor David E. Drew (PhD, Harvard University, Three flaws in the Education System and How to Fix Them), we have two major problems in the implementation of high stakes testing. Professor Drew states, “First, there is too much testing. This steals time from the instructional program and significantly increases student anxiety levels” (Drew, pg. 3). The affect of increased anxiety levels reduces the ability for students to learn. Professor Drew also stated, “Second, virtually all testing is done with standardized, multiple-choice exams, although we know that such testing only scratches the surface of assessment of learning” (Drew, pg. 3). With this being stated, there is more to learning than testing high on standardized test. It can benefit and expand your knowledge, but it only applies to the people that can apply the information they have learned in their own ways.

Proposal

            As a communication major, I wanted to implement how communication can affect and compliment students programs within their academics. I finally decided to indulge myself into an internship with Red Rock Canyon School’s Academic Program in order to observe, learn, and connect with students. Treatment centers are known for low graduation rates, and Red Rock Canyon School’s graduation rate has dropped over the last decade due to a change in the program.

            The program that RRCS has converted from traditional textbook work to an online educational program called “Anywhere Learning System”. It is a program that is “well” suited for students that need online remediation, and can cover multiple grade levels. They also provide accelerated learning for advanced students, extending their knowledge well beyond core curriculum.

            But, like every other educational system, we have students who excel within an online system and those that find it more of a challenge to comprehend. In the educational system, we tend to hit roadblocks because of the students ability to learn material and comprehend the material engaged into. Basically, this new style of program is projected for the students to learn and engage into material on their own and apply it in order to complete standardized test. There is one teacher present that attends to every students needs, but every student is covering different material due to their age and grade level material.

            This relates greatly to the material because of the unsuccessful rate RRCS is facing right now. Each student has their own ways of learning, and when confining students into a system where their motivation and drive is the key to their success, they tend to fail. Students are placed in a treatment facility for the low end of ethical behavior and the lack of problem solving (knowing right from wrong). So, their motivation and will to learn is their only path towards graduating the program.

Project Plan

            My ultimate purpose of my professional project was to complete my internship with Red Rock Canyons School in order to witness first hand the complications students encounter while fulfilling their programs needs. Also, I was motivated to collect data, and come up with a way that we could provide guidance for the students who show good work ethics, but just have a hard time retaining the material. I did so by conducting meetings with students weekly in order to evaluate the pros and cons of their academic program. But, due to the program and structure, I was unable to conduct surveys for the students to fill out in order to record the validation of project.

            My plan was to work with students in guiding and expanding on the material in order for them to create meaning and understanding for themselves. I wanted to keep track of their grades and how it fluctuates based off of the help they receive from beginning to end.

            With plenty of mentors, staff, counselors, and teachers, I decided to conduct open/closed-ended surveys in order to allow outsiders to elaborate on my findings and how we could improve the program. The most important people that can spark change are the staff members that surround these students during their daily academic sessions.

            Lastly, with all the information gained I wanted to create a program that allows students that meet a set requirement in order to receive tutoring from volunteered interns. This program would not be open for every student until they meet the requirements needed. Being that it is a treatment facility, students may take advantage of the program and use tutors in their favor to complete the work for them. So, to keep that from happening students must provide great work ethics, and show that they are motivated to complete their programs.

Execution of Plan

            The hours that were spent in the classroom with students were to monitor and documents pros and cons of the program. Every week, when I first stepped foot into the classroom, I went to every student and engaged in short conversations in order to evaluate how they were doing in school, and how much quota they have met for the day. With engaging with the students interpersonally, it allowed myself to build rapport with each student. Mind you, each student has different levels of motivation, and it fluctuates over the week. That being said, every day is different with these students, they may meet quota one day and the next not complete any work.

After building a great rapport with students, I engaged in simple tutoring lessons with the ones that needed help with their work. Within guiding these students, I compared and contrasted the work ethics of the students that received extra help, from the students who decided to work on their own. As the weeks went by, it was noticeable that students who were receiving extra help had an easier time understanding the material in order to apply it to their standardized tests.

By doing this, it allowed myself to document what motivates the students and what holds them back from succeeding.

            When I felt that I had enough insight within the academic programs I took it a step further in contacting several local treatment facilities. The motive for doing so was to engage within conversation to evaluate the positives and negatives of their academic program. I indulged into asking questions such as their retention rate, level of success within their program, and how they developed their program in order to challenge their students.

            In order to receive alternative information, I have decided to conduct open and closed ended questions for all levels of staff members to fill out. My questions covered material in order for staff members to voice opinions that could be evaluated and incorporated into my pitch for a different program for these students. I was able to gather 35 completed surveys and evaluated all responses in order to incorporate other ideas and opinions along with my own.

            After completing all of my internship hours, providing positive help and reinforcement for students, and gaining insight from staff members, I engaged into creating a plan in order to pitch towards the Principal of Red Rock Canyon School. I’ve met with the Principal a couple of times in order to update him on what I was doing, and how it was not going against structure and their program.  I was grateful that Principal Joel Beckstrand was willing to hear my pitch and engage in conversation.

Analysis

            Putting together my findings and studies has been the most motivating aspect of my project. Second, it was being able to enhance the student’s ability to learn and attain knowledge. What was most insightful was being able to engage with students interpersonally in order to build rapports with each individual. Within engaging, I was able to locate their motivation levels, their success rate, and their willingness to apply their time and energy into what was most important for them.

            What made it hard? Working with troubled adolescents, was the most challenging aspect of my internship. Student’s motivation levels fluctuated daily, sometimes hourly. These students have been placed into this facility because of their past behaviors and inability of making ethical decisions. So, it was extremely hard to force students to indulge into their work, so, the ones who were motivated and open for help are the students who succeeded in this program.

            Before I started involving myself and allowing my attention towards students, I came up with a solution that would prove to me the loyalty and willingness they had in order to extend their knowledge. I created a quota that students needed to complete in order for them to prove to me that they are willing to put in time and effort to complete their courses. As the second week came, there were only 5 students that met quota each day to reserve my help. Others weren’t motivated and the rest felt that they did not need any further guidance. Due to confidentiality of grade scores, I was unable to view their weekly progress. But, I have gained great positive feedback from students that were receiving my help.

            Due to the fact that I was unable to document and survey for validation of my project, I was restricted from collecting analytical data from students. But, I have received great feedback from each individual on how I have positively impacted his or her studies.

            Collecting data from my surveys that were filled out by staff was a major eye opener. After collecting all of my data, and documenting it I was able to figure out the percentage gained from each question. It was no surprise that 80 percent of the staff members claimed that most students front through their program and do not attain any knowledge through the “Anywhere Learning System”. All staff members agreed that their program is based off of the student’s motivation that applies to how far they get within their program. “What can we do as staff to help motivate and educate the students in order work their program and graduate?” This question seemed to reside in the middle because for one as staff we aren’t obligated to help these students. We are there for “safety and security” reasons. Students need to find motivation within them to complete and work their programs.

I have asked for insightful ways to improve the program, in order to educate and challenge our students ethically. I have received answers on the aspects that staff should improve on, but none about how students need to hold more accountable.

In order to improve RRCS program I took initiative to contact other local treatment facilities. My motive for this was to exchange in conversation in order to gain knowledge from an outside source. I have attempted to contact Lava Heights and Diamond Ranch Academy in hopes of gaining new knowledge that would improve the academic program in RRCS. It was frustrating aspect within my project because I have yet to attain useful information to incorporate into my studies due to the disclosing matter of the company’s personal information.

While in contact with Lava Heights and Diamond Ranch Academy, I explained to them my purpose of calling, and that I was not a competing company that was trying to gain information. After explaining my reasons for calling, I started to engage by asking simple questions such as, “What are you graduation percentage”, “Have they increased or decreased over the years”, and “How did you incorporate new ideas in order to challenge your students”. What I received in response was not exactly the information I wanted to hear. They were unable to disclose any information to me about their program and structure. They were hesitant and careful with engaging with in conversation in hopes to not disclose any personal information. This step in my analysis was most frustrating and had no affect for my project.

Now, it is time to confine all of my findings, what were working, what wasn’t, and figure out a solution to improving that problem. In the process of creating a pitch to present, I took in all aspects of their program and structure. I have created a program that would allow Dixie State University students to intern with RRCS to tutor and guide students that met the requirements with their schoolwork. We would allow interns to volunteer and spare their time to progress and uplift the graduation rate of RRCS academic program. Knowing that allowing interns was very contradicting with the “Anywhere Learning System”, we needed to take in consideration how effective this program really is.

Students learn, act, and react differently so, putting students into a system where they have to learn material on their own and apply it to real world situations was not an ethical decision. Having one teacher to attend to 20 different students all working on different material does not allow any interpersonal time for the student to redirect and spend time on his coursework. So, the program would allow students who were motivated and serious to be scheduled with a tutor for beneficial reasons in order to comply with the learning ability of the student. It is a great pitch for a steady program, but due to legal issues and the structure of the program, my pitch was not allowed to be taken into consideration.

Discussion

            The beginning stages of my senior seminar were very stressful. I was unsure of what I wanted to do and indulge myself into. I almost contemplated dropping the course and taking it next semester. But, I stuck it out, figured out what I wanted to do and how I would go about doing it.

When I began to start my internship after figuring out my goals, what I wanted from this project, and how I’d incorporate my knowledge into completing it, I felt great about the direction I was heading.  I felt that I had everything in order and that it was going to run smoothly, but that’s not the course it has taken.

I have engaged and indulged my time and effort into this project only to leave empty handed. I have completed over 120 hours this semester in order fulfill all requirements. I have received and gained all of my knowledge from exploring and engaging into this program along with completing research and going out of my way in hopes to uplift this companies success rate.

I have spent many hours tutoring and working with different students in order to motivate and comply with their learning abilities. I have taken into consideration to evaluate the pros and cons of this program. After physically working with students I took initiative to pick out different aspects that were working for each student and how their teacher could effectively support their learning ability. I was restricted from surveying the students, so I was unable to validate the success of my plan. Knowing that the students I have guided improved on their academics over time is the only aspect I am satisfied with.

In order to expand, I attempted to contact several different treatment facilities in order to make assumptions on how Red Rock Canyon School could improve their academic program and increase their graduation rate. This aspect of my project was second most frustrating; due to the rudeness and inconsiderate responses I received. I would’ve greatly appreciated if they had explained to me that they were not allowed to disclose any information pertaining to my project. But, they allowed me to continue with false hope in regards to receiving information that would compliment and boost my plan. I was very unhappy with this process, so in order to balance out my information I decided to survey staff members of the facility.

After receiving all information and conducting it into my project plan, I engaged my time into creating an alternative program that Red Rock Canyon School could utilize in order to increase their graduation rate. The whole point of my project was to figure out what holes needed to be filled within their system to allow students to succeed. I used my valuable time to observe, explore, and correct the flaws that were shown within their program. I have pitched their downfalls in hope of being able to correct them, but they did not take into consideration my assumptions. My plan would’ve created more opportunities for students to succeed within the system, along with supplying college students with internship experience.

I truly felt that my time and effort was wasted in hopes of improving their academic program. I had support from different staff members who applauded my hard work and vision, but the people that needed it most took no time to overlook my project. The hardest aspect to cope with is that I tried to improve their program knowing that they have low graduation rates, but they showed no intentions of finding a different alternative. It is sickening to see that kids are not getting the education they need within this facility, but yet they overwhelm students with course material in hopes that they will teach it to themselves.

As I whined down with completing my project, I feel very content with the volunteer work I have done. I feel satisfied knowing that I changed several students outlook on learning and getting a good education. I tried my best to retain as much information possible that I could incorporate and compliment my project with. As a soon to be college graduate I am satisfied with the effort and hard work I have put into for my last project. I would’ve liked for my project to be taken into consideration by the facility, but I understand that they have a set structure and program that they need to tend to. This was a great learning experience for myself, because not only did it teach me patience, but also appreciation.

Overall I’m satisfied with the work that I have completed and indulged my valuable time into, but I am not satisfied with the route RRCS has taken. I hope they tweak their academic program so that they can focus more on the student’s needs and their different learning abilities.

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