The Effect of One-on-One Student Mentoring on the Negative Behavior of Middle School Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the number of referrals a middle school student receives would change following a one-on-one student mentoring intervention (Check-In/Check- Out). The measurement tool was the number of minor and major discipline referrals as recorded by STARS. This study involved use of a pre-experimental design where one group of students received the intervention and data was examined before and after the intervention. Reductions in the number of minor referrals were significant for the students participating in the study. There was no significant change in the number of major referrals following the intervention. Research in this area should continue as school boards are looking for alternatives to suspension and the study showed signs of affecting behavior in a positive way.