Key successful features of Tier 1 program of Project P.A.T.H.S: A case study of a school admitting students with low academic achievement

Abstract

In order to getting a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the process and the quality of program implementation of Tier 1 of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Secondary 1 Curriculum), a school admitting students with low academic achievement that had completed Tier 1 was invited to participate in this evaluation study using case study. Interviews with the project coordinator and school social worker, and focus-group interviews with the course instructors, examined their perceptions of the program effectiveness and identified factors that contributed to program success. Generally, the interviewees regarded the program as successful and there were many administrative and 'people' factors that facilitated success in the implementation process. The study results suggest key features for a successful program. Based on the findings, the paper discusses the implications of school culture and administrative arrangements for program implementation.