The REACH program: an alternative for students-at-risk in order to remain in their home school environment

Abstract

This thesis describes an evaluative case study, which researched the benefits of using the REACH program in two Thunder Bay elementary schools, eliminating the need to have studentsat- risk removed from their home school to attend alternative programming. The REACH acronym stands for Relationships, Environment, Attitude, Co-Regulation, and Holistic Education, and the program focuses on bringing all of these elements into the school to create opportunities for students-at-risk to experience success throughout their school day. This study was implemented throughout the 2017-2018 school year, with the REACH program beginning in the 2016-2017 school year. The participants were teachers, principals and student support professionals, as well as students and parents who were part of the REACH program and were asked to participate in the study. Data were generated through interviews and document review of principal case conference notes, student records, and office referral documents. The generated data were coded into each section of REACH, further explaining why this program is necessary. The a priori themes are: Relationships, Environment, Attitude, Co-Regulation, and Holistic Education. Emergent themes of student relationships and next steps for the program are also discussed within this thesis.