What are the Differences and Similarities of Shortage of Managerial Talent between International Firms and Domestic Firms?

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Problem2

Alternative Education2

Correlation between Low Socioeconomic Status and Students Deemed At-Risk3

Statement of the Problem5

Purpose of the Study7

Significance of the Study7

Nature of the Study8

Research Questions8

Theoretical Framework9

Definition of Terms12

Limitations13

Delimitations14

Summary14

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW16

U.S. Dropout Statistics17

The Impact of Dropouts on Employment18

West Virginia Graduation Statistics19

The Impact of Dropouts on Employment in West Virginia19

The Impact of Dropouts on the Economic Future of West Virginia19

At-Risk Students20

Teaching and Instruction21

Pedagogy21

Alternative Education23

Alternative Schools and Programs25

The Alternative Classroom28

The School-Within-a-School28

The Separate Alternative School29

The Continuation School30

The Magnet School30

Teaching and Learning at the AEP31

Teacher-Student Relationship in an Alternative Education Environment31

Educational Technology32

Student-to-Computer Based Learning Environment35

BYOD- Bring Your Own Device Learning Environments35

Pros and Cons of BYOD- Bring Your Own Device36

Digital/ Interactive/ E-Textbooks38

Vocational Education39

Blended Learning40

Types of Blended Learning41

Virtual Schools41

Distance Learning41

Online Learning Environment42

Credit Recovery Programs42

Graduations Rate versus Dropout Rate43

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS44

Research Method and Design Appropriateness45

REFERENCES47

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

An academic phenomenon exists at the Upshur County School District alternative education facility. Students deemed 'at-risk' of academic failure participating in theUpshur County school district alternative education program do not experience academic success at the district high school; however, when transitioned to the alternative education environment the majority of the students complete graduation requirements. The alternative education program provides participating students with a 1:1 student to computer learning environment; whereas the traditional high school provides a 2:1 student to computer ratio. The purpose of this phenomenological mixed methods study is to determine whether a 1:1 student-to-computer learning environment may have a significant impact on the academic success of students deemed at-risk, which in turn may lead to improved graduation rates.

Individuals who do not complete high school experience personal, social, and economic challenges creating an adverse impact on communities nationwide (Jensen, 2009). Supporting this position,the National Dropout Prevention Center Network (2005) stressed the importance of completing high school, reporting the following statistics. Dropouts when compared to their high school graduate counterparts face a greater unemployment rate, experience a negative impact on the quality of life, earn $143 less per week, have a greater chance of receiving public assistance and are a disproportionate percentage of prison and death row inmates (National Drop Out Prevention Center Network, 2005). It is estimated that approximately 33 percent of high school students enrolled in the United States drop out of school prior to graduation each year (Bridgeland, Diiulio, &Balfanz, 2009). Alternative education programs may be an important component in providing a means for at-risk students and dropouts to gain a high school diploma (Conley, 2002).

Background of the Problem

Students deemed at-risk of academic failure participating in the Upshur County school district alternative education program do not experience academic success at the district high school; however, when transitioned to the alternative education environment the majority of the students complete graduation requirements. The instructors at the Upshur County school district alternative education facility transitioned 96 of the120 student enrollment who were facing academic failure from an at-risk status to high school graduate, propelling the district graduation rate from ...