Extracurricular activity programming for grades 6th-8th in a mid-western school district: a program evaluation

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of parents, students, classroom teachers, and administrators regarding extracurricular activity programming (ECA) in a 6th-8th grade mid-western school district. Utilizing a mixed methods research approach, a program evaluation is utilized to gather information, to inform the chosen school district's Board of Education to manifest program change. Research is gathered from professional literature, surveys, and focus groups. The program evaluation addresses the following emergent themes: student interest, positive student character development, school connectedness, the reduction of barriers between diverse populations, faculty and administrative support and resource allocations. Numerous recommendations are created as a result of the data analysis necessitating the continuation and modification of program characteristics in order to maximize ECA program success. The following recommendations are created: increased options for students based on the interest of those students to be served, increase in the number of clubs provided to accommodate excessive membership, equity between schools, non-athletic ECAs be created with specific consideration to the areas of healthy lifestyle choices and diversity training, improved communication practices, and increased financial support to meet program needs.