At-Risk High School Students in the “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness” Program (GEAR UP): Academic and Behavioral Outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a GEAR UP intervention with at-risk high school students at a large urban high school in Florida. The goals of the GEAR UP program were to improve academic performance, decrease behavior-related problems, and reduce truancy and absenteeism. The study design consisted of a three-group comparison of the 447 students in GEAR UP: the No Participation Group, the Low Participation Group, and the High Participation Group. Participation levels were calculated for each category of activity (academic, behavior-related, and social), and propensity scoring was used to match the groups on sociodemographic characteristics and other differentiating variables. Results indicated that race (i.e., African American) and sex (i.e., female) are associated with high participation in program activities. Also, students who spent a substantial amount of time on academic activities improved their GPAs over a semester, and students who took advantage of behavior-related services and participated in social activities significantly reduced disciplinary referrals (p < .05). Suggestions for program refinement resulting from the study are discussed.

Educational Outcomes Associated With School Behavioral Health Interventions: A Review of the Literature

“…We identified 24 articles that evaluated the impact on academic outcomes of targeted prevention components of school behavioral health programs or frameworks . A table containing summary information about the articles is available as Table S2 (also at http://csmh.umaryland.edu/Resources/School-Mental-Health-Impact/).…”

“…GEAR Up provides high school students identified as low achieving or at‐risk with counseling, mentoring, tutoring, and other supportive services provided by teachers, tutors, and case managers. Designed to help academically, behaviorally, and socially, GEAR Up participants had significantly fewer behavioral referrals and a higher grade point average compared with eligible students who did not participate, with no significant differences in math and reading standardized test scores. The Responsive Advocacy for Life and Learning in Youth (RALLY) program includes both targeted and primary prevention components delivered by trained counseling staff, a clinical coordinator, classroom teachers, and a school program director, that includes classroom support, informal support, formal after‐school groups, one‐on‐one mentoring or counseling with a RALLY practitioner, and referrals to external agencies.…”

Performance and Persistence Outcomes of GEAR UP Students: Leveling the Playing Field in Higher Education

“…College readiness was higher among students in GEAR UP schools than non-GEAR UP schools (Bausmith & France, 2012). Additional GEAR UP research has also examined the likelihood of enrollment, specific disadvantaged groups, successful partnerships, adolescent and career development, and so forth (Bausmith & France, 2012; Cates & Schaefle, 2011; Clancy & Miller, 2009; Heisel, 2005; Lozano, Watt, & Huerta, 2009; Standing et al., 2008; Usinger & Smith, 2010; Watt, Huerta, & Lozano, 2007; Weiher, Hughes, Kaplan, & Howard, 2006; Yampolskaya, Massey, & Greenbaum, 2006).…”

The Relationship Between a College Preparation Program and At-Risk Students' College Readiness

“…After studying the relationship between GEAR UP program elements and various outcome variables, Yampolskaya et al (2006) found that there is value in examining the amount of time spent in different program activities. They also found that students classified as "high participation" showed significant improvements in grade point average, whereas those classified as "low participation" did not.…”