Comprehensive Dropout Study by ODU's Chappell Moots Lauded
December 10, 2015
Shanan Chappell Moots
A comprehensive and groundbreaking study of nationwide dropout prevention strategies by Old Dominion University researcher Shanan Chappell Moots has earned her a national award from the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network. (NDPC/N).
Chappell Moots, research assistant professor and assistant director for quantitative analysis in the Center for Educational Partnerships at Old Dominion University, received the 2015 Crystal Star Award of Excellence in Dropout Recover, Intervention and Prevention by the NDPC/N earlier this fall.
The awards are designed to bring national attention to program and individuals that have made significant impact regarding the dropout issue.
Chappell Moots' project, "A Meta-Analysis of Dropout Prevention Outcomes and Strategies," provides evidence of the effectiveness of dropout prevention strategies, presenting educators with valid scientific evidence to guide efforts to combat dropout rates in their schools.
The study provides previously unavailable guidance to teachers, principals, school districts and boards in their selection of dropout tools, and can assist policymakers in targeting the distribution of scarce dropout prevention funds.
It is hoped that the application of these findings will positively impact the nation's ongoing effort to improve graduation rates.
John Nunnery, executive director for the Center for Educational Partnerships, said Chappell Moots was nominated by a colleague from outside of the University for one of the highest national awards for contributions to dropout prevention.
"Shanan's major contribution was the most sophisticated quantitative synthesis of dropout program characteristics as they relate to program effects perhaps ever conducted, over 500 studies," Nunnery said. "She also is a co-principal investigator on a community engaged dropout recovery and prevention program here in Norfolk."
Chappell Moots is principal investigator or co-principal investigator on nearly $30 million in funded educational research activities, performing advanced quantitative analyses and designing quantitative research methodologies for studies occurring in schools across the nation.
The Center for Educational Partnerships at Old Dominion University was created to make the best possible ideas and resources available to Virginia public school educators, so the Commonwealth can fulfill its mission of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed in school and beyond.
The mission of the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network is to increase graduation rates through research and evidence-based solutions.
Since inception, the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network, based at Clemson University, has worked to improve opportunities for all young people to fully develop the academic, social, work and healthy life skills needed to graduate from high school and lead productive lives.
By promoting awareness of successful programs and policies related to dropout prevention, the work of the Network and its members, who include Old Dominion's Center for Educational Partnerships, has made an impact on education from the local to the national level.