BY

This thesis is dedicated to my support team, including professors, colleagues, friends, and family from whom I have learned so much. I would like to extend special thanks to my advisor and committee members, for their support, insight, and guidance in creating and writing this program evaluation. To my doctoral cohort, I can’t think of a better small group to spend two and half years with during all our course work. Thank you to all my colleagues and friends that stand with me in advocacy for specialized instruction delivered by well-qualified educators using only the most effective teaching strategies. From eight boys with EBD in the Options Day Treatment Program in 1994 to all the current students in Eastern Carver County School Programs experiencing challenges, this is to your future. Let it be one that will provide you with rich learning environments, dedicated professionals, and equal opportunities that guide you down the road to success. This journey never would have been possible without the interest, support and teaching roots that were inspired by my family. To my immediate family, you have been the foundation that has kept me on course. To my son Max and daughters Ella and Jackie, always reach for your dreams and never quit working hard to achieve them. Thank you for helping me reach mine. To Paul, my husband, thank you for your never-ending encouragement and for believing in me. To my Grandma Maxwell, you taught me the importance of education and you continue to inspire me every day. You are the best life-long teacher. To my parents, Mary and Jim, you taught me the value of education, pursuing dreams and certainly the importance and expectation of hard work. Lastly, to my brother, ii Steve, this project is dedicated in your honor as I am now, also “living the dream”. Yo