Follow Up Study
An initial follow-up study (1991) of Aspen Achievement Academy's adolescent program was implemented after fourteen months of operation in an effort to evaluate the program's effectiveness and outcome results. The study used empirical data that was compiled through telephone interviews with past participants and their legal guardians. The responses from each interview were compiled on a formal questionnaire by a representative of Aspen Academy. This study is an initial outcome study that will be followed by several more objective studies that are currently in progress. The primary purpose of this study was to obtain a quick and accurate understanding of the overall effectiveness of the program and possible areas for improvement.
The following data reflects both the results and format of the questionnaire used in the study. Attempted contact was made to a total of 52 past participants and their legal guardians. Actual contact was made with 68 individuals (43 parents or guardians and 25 students). The time period from discharge to contact is anywhere between two weeks and 14 months. Responses were confined to a scale of one to five (1 = strongly disagree with the statement and 5 = strongly agree with the statement).
Student's Level of Functioning Immediately After Returning Home:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relationship with parents improved: | 0.0% | 0.0% | 13.7% | 19.6% | 66.6% |
| Relationship with siblings: | 0.0% | 0.0% | 15.2% | 17.3% | 67.4% |
| Improvement in School: | 5.8% | 9.8% | 5.8% | 23.5% | 54.9% |
| Less legal involvement: | 4.3% | 0.0% | 8.7% | 21.7% | 65.2% |
| Less drug and alcohol abuse: | 2.2% | 9.0% | 11.3% | 13.5% | 68.0% |
| Improved peer relations: | 2.0% | 4.0% | 22.4% | 24.5% | 46.9% |
| Improved personal insight: | 4.2% | 8.3% | 16.6% | 31.2% | 39.6% |
| Improved commitment and goal setting: | 6.1% | 12.2% | 28.6% | 22.4% | 30.6% |
| Improved overall ability to function: | 2.2% | 10.9% | 21.7% | 54.3% | 39.6% |
Student's Current Level of Functioning:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relationship with parents improved: | 10.2% | 4.0% | 18.4% | 30.6% | 38.8% |
| Relationship with siblings: | 2.1% | 8.5% | 27.6% | 25.5% | 36.2% |
| Improvement in School: | 14.0% | 6.0% | 8.0% | 30.0% | 42.0% |
| Less legal involvement: | 4.3% | 0.0% | 8.7% | 21.7% | 65.2% |
| Less drug and alcohol abuse: | 2.0% | 6.1% | 8.2% | 22.4% | 61.2% |
| Improved peer relations: | 2.0% | 8.2% | 18.4% | 32.6% | 26.5% |
| Improved personal insight: | 2.0% | 16.3% | 16.3% | 32.6% | 32.6% |
| Improved commitment and goal setting: | 8.2% | 8.2% | 24.5% | 32.64% | 26.5% |
| Improved overall ability to function | 8.2% | 6.1% | 12.2% | 22.4% | 48.9% |