What makes a good program? A study of a school admitting high academic achievers

Abstract

This chapter reports the results of a qualitative study that explored the administration and implementation of the Tier 1 program (secondary 1 curriculum) of project P.A.T.H.S. The case-study method was used to explore perceptions of the teachers and the project coordinator or program effectiveness, and to identify various factors for program success. A school admitting high academic achievers was selected, and site visits, as well as individual and focus-group interviews, were conducted with the program coordinator, social worker and course teachers. The results suggested that clear vision and program goals, high quality of curriculum, helpful leadership, positive teacher attitude, and strong administrative supports are factors for program success. Analysing the data enables the researchers to understand the characteristics of a successful program as well as the interplay among factors for producing success.