METACOGNITIVE STRATEGIES AND ATTRIBUTES

METACOGNITIVE STRATEGIES AND ATTRIBUTES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO

AT-RISK STUDENTS SUCCESS AT ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS:

A CASE FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH AREA

by

John R. Ouma, M.Ed.

DOUGLAS DEWITT, Ph.D., Faculty Mentor and Chair

SAM SONG, Ph.D., Committee Member

DENESE WEEMS, Ph.D., Committee Member

Barbara Butts Williams, Ph.D., Dean, School of Education

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Capella University

July 2009

Abstract

The study will also empirically investigate all attributes that contribute to their success. Effective teaching and effective educational leadership are two attributes that can enhance student learning/student success and student achievement. Teachers as educational leaders can improve student success. The study will also explore instructional techniques and administrative styles of alternative school such as charter schools to link these attributes to at-risk student success in these educational institutions. The study further reveals strengths and weaknesses of alternative educational schools, and whether those attributes hinder or enhance student performance and eventual success. In most alternative educational settings, such as charter schools, there are specialized programs to accommodate students with special needs, such as 504, reading programs for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties, English as a Second Language (ESL) as well. This study will examine the effectiveness of such special education programs for these educationally economically deprived at-risk students. Data collected will be analyzed to measure the impact of cognitive strategies and attributes as the main source of academic success.

Dedication

The entire manuscript is dedicated to my late mother, Mrs. Turphosa Anyanga Mitoko, who not only brought me into this world, but also defended me in everything I attempted to accomplish, gave me love and the best upbringing only a mother could give her child. She made me believe I was her only child; and yet there were seven other siblings whom I thought were just living with us. May the Almighty God be with her for eternity. I love you, mother. I know you would be proud of me for achieving this educational milestone—the highest in the world. Thanks, Mother. May you rest in peace. Amen.

Acknowledgement

First and foremost, I want to heartily thank my wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ouma, whose support in all my educational endeavors has been overwhelming and unquestionable. She encouraged me even when I was about to give up. She spent many, many lonely evenings and weekends while I am in the library studying for this degree. I left her home alone for weeks while I attended colloquia and other seminars, but she never complained. Her love and dedication to this marriage has never been better. Thanks Honey.

I also wish to acknowledge Mrs. Allison Butz who did all the typing of this manuscript, proof-read, and helped in editing in accordance with APA guidelines. She has worked diligently with me since we met when she was an English teacher at Winfree Academy Charter Schools in 2007. I approached her and requested her assistance with typing and editing some of my papers, and she gladly agreed to do so. We have been friends ever sin e. I must ...