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Jenison Schools Join University-Led Study Evaluating Unified Champion Schools Program
Summary
The board unanimously approved participation in a three-year study by Special Olympics North America, University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration, and Special Olympics Michigan; student participants will receive $25 per completed survey or interview and school liaisons $250 annually.
The Jenison Board of Education voted 7-0 on Sept. 8 to participate in a longitudinal evaluation of the Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program conducted by Special Olympics North America, the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration, and Special Olympics Michigan.
The three-year study will examine long-term outcomes including student social skills, self-determination, school connectedness and post-school success. Participating students (both UCS participants and comparison groups) will complete surveys and interviews twice a year; graduates will be followed to assess long-term effects. To support participation, students will receive a $25 gift card for each completed survey or interview, and school liaisons will receive $250 annually. The district reported there is no cost to participate. The board approved participation and staff will distribute permission forms and schedule initial data collection in October or November.
Superintendent Brandon Graham said the district will provide dates for Unified Sports events to the board. The board’s approval is administrative and will allow the district to contribute local data to a broader research effort.
