Date

11-2021

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Chair

Gary J. Bredfeldt

Keywords

Release Time, Behaviors, Adolescents, Mormon, Phenomenological

Disciplines

Christianity | Religion

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of instructional leaders and high school graduates associated with a released time education (RTE) learning center in northern Georgia. The study sought to understand the perceived contribution of released time on behavioral transformation and the construct of a biblical worldview. The phenomenological method was chosen as the qualitative design for this research since it involves how the participants made sense of their experience. Data collection in this phenomenological study consisted of interviews with nine instructional leaders, and a focus group of eight alumni, all of whom were purposively selected. Four research questions were designed to reveal the participant’s perceptions and experiences of the connection between RT, behavioral transformation, and the development of a biblical worldview. Data analysis followed Moustakas’ process of bracketing, open coding, and thematic analysis, revealing four emerging themes. The findings revealed compelling evidence that RTE constructively influences behaviors and is an impetus for the development of a biblical worldview in adolescents. RTE programs may hold the answer to the revitalization of Bible-based morality in adolescents. Keywords: release time, phenomenology, behaviors, constitutional, Mormon

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