PROPOSAL

Correlational Study with a Comparative Analysis of Free And Reduce Lunch Scores

[Name of Student]

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY

Research Design Procedures

The instruments used in this study include the MAP and the EXPLORE. Both assessments measure a student's knowledge and application in a specific content area. The subjects for this project were eighth-grade students who were enrolled at the study school. The purpose of this study was to determine if increased instructional time will increase academic achievement and academic growth as measured by the number of students who advance to a higher score category of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Since the differences already exist among the students as indicated by their socio-economic status, this study investigated the possibility of variables that cannot be manipulated. The variable in this study that cannot be manipulated is a student's lunch status. This design reflected a correlational-comparative research design. A correlational comparative research design investigates if a correlation exists between groups of individuals when compared to another variable; in this study, the additional variable was increased instructional time (Fraenkel & Wallen, 2000). The purpose of the study was to determine if student achievement and growth will improve when teachers are given a full 50 minutes to provide instruction to their students.

The researcher may also theorize that the number of student tardies will decrease, resulting in higher achievement scores due to fewer students missing class time. The implementation of the Start on Time program provided the system that gave the study school's faculty the capability to utilize a full period of student instruction by removing the hourly responsibility and management associated with student tardiness. Teachers were instructed to close the classroom door when the tardy bell sounded and begin the instruction. Instruction could include a review of the prior day's lesson, practice, or the introduction of a new lesson. Teacher accountability was maintained through classroom observations and team meetings.

Sampling Procedures

Sampling refers to the process of selecting individuals to participate in a study or

refers to any group on which information is obtained. A sample is a definitive group

Study School's Average Percentage of Free and Reduced Enrollment by Ethnicity (White, African, American, and Hispanic) will be chosen as representation of a much larger population (Fraenkel & Wallen, 2000). In this study the sample will be determined by grade level. Eighth-grade students who attended the study school between the school years of 2006/2007through 2008/2009 will be included in this study. Recall, as previously indicated in this chapter, ninth-grade students do not participate in the assessments used in this study; therefore, only eighth grade data will be used. During this time period, the average enrollment for eighth-grade students is 476 students per year. Data for this study included all students and did not disaggregate based on gender, ethnicity, or age of the eighth-grade students.

Instrumentation

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is evidence that the number of students who advance to a higher score category of students who qualify for free and reduced ...