ERIC Number: ED606978
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Sep
Pages: 41
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Playworks in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), 2014-15 and 2015-16. Eye on Evaluation. DRA Report No. 16.07
Rhea, Anisa; Bulgakov-Cooke, Dina; Adams, Elizabeth
Wake County Public School System
This quasi-experimental study used multiple data sources to examine Playworks implementation and outcomes across two school years (2014-15 and 2015-16) at six WCPSS elementary schools. Differences in outcomes between Playworks and matched-comparison schools were examined. Similar to other national studies (Beeker et al., 2012; Fortson et al., 2013), the findings of impact are mixed. Coaches implemented program elements with fidelity, yet WCPSS encountered coach turnover as well as inconsistent teacher training and lower engagement with students at recess than desired. Significant differences found in the recess structures and activities between Playworks and traditional schools did not translate into positive impacts on student behavior or school climate. Prior to adopting new initiatives, WCPSS should consider the following: 1) carefully matching initiatives with root causes of school needs and funding sources; and 2) increasing the completeness and consistency of behavioral data collection when reducing students' negative behavior is an expected outcome. Improvements in both areas could strengthen the likelihood of impact and the ability to measure that impact.
Descriptors: Public Schools, Elementary Schools, Program Effectiveness, Program Implementation, Recess Breaks, After School Programs, Athletics, Student Leadership, Class Activities, Values Education, Behavior Modification, Disadvantaged Schools, Fidelity, Educational Environment, Elementary School Students, Physical Activities, Play
Wake County Public School System. 5625 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC 27518. Tel: 919-431-7215; Fax: 919-431-7193; e-mail: wcpss-data-accountability@wcpss.net; Web site: www.wcpss.net
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), Data and Accountability Department
Identifiers - Location: North Carolina
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A


