The driving theme for this research was cultural discontinuity as experienced in the American academic institutions. Cultural discontinuity is understood as a way in which the cultural practices and values of students' home culture affect the academic achievements of the students usually, resulting in low academic accomplishments. This phenomenon…

The education pipeline is characterized by a series of well-defined and extensively documented transitions. From preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle to high school, and college to work, students at multiple stages of human development experience transitions that shape their downstream outcomes. In this dissertation, I use…

The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the cognitive, noncognitive, and sociodemographic barriers affecting the enrollment of General Educational Development (GED) holders in higher education in Alabama. The researcher sought to understand these barriers, focusing on poor academic performance, negative emotions,…

The unique barriers faced by female international graduate students who are mothers (FIGSMs) affect their general well-being, mental health, and academic achievement, which in turn affect their children's well-being. The purpose of this study is to identify the gaps in existing research concerning this academic population, analyze the barriers…

This study explores the parental support first-generation Latinas have received, and recognizes the skills, knowledge, and various forms of support that Latinx parents can and have provided their daughters when they seek a college education. Through a community cultural wealth framework, this study adds to the current literature on Latina and…

School sense of belonging is critical for students' academic achievement and emotional well-being. The development of a sense of school belonging is influenced by direct and indirect factors within the school environment. Categorization into low and high achievement groups based on academics is a process largely outside the direct control of a…

This Narrative Analysis examines the complex connection between financial literacy and the experiences of first-generation low-income students attending a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Given the rising expenses associated with higher education, students who are the first in their families to pursue postsecondary…

The purpose of this qualitative explanatory study was to explore teachers' and parents' perceptions concerning the impact of their relationship on K-12 children's academic achievement. The following research questions guided the study: (1) How does parent engagement influence student academic achievement? (2) What are the barriers impacting…

This research study aimed to examine the social factors that could influence the academic learning experiences of Latino college students. Latino students are pursuing post-secondary degrees at a higher rate than in previous years. Many Latinos represent their respective family members as the first members of their respective families to attend…

As ethnic Asians become a more prominent group in American life, some scholars have focused on exploring both the roles of ethnic Asians in American society and culture, and of how American society and culture impact and transform their lives. This study seeks to understand the types of messages that ethnic East Asian college students studying in…

What motivates students to achieve is a question that educators, parents, and policy makers in every country seek to answer. A scientific understanding of this question can help us design interventions that foster student achievement and unleash the potential of all members of society, regardless of their economic, racial/ethnic, and cultural…

This mixed-methods study examined the moderating role of resilience in the relationship between personal, social, and academic factors and academic success, as measured by grade point average (GPA) among Doctor of Physical Therapy students. It aimed to identify the strongest predictor of GPA among self-efficacy, friends and family support, and the…

In this dissertation, I explore the educational experiences and opportunities of youth, ages 15-30, in Solomon Islands. Based on research at two secondary schools in Solomon Islands and the communities surrounding them, this project examines the challenges young people face when pursuing secondary schooling and the cultural values that motivate…

This dissertation explored school principals' perspectives on optimal leadership practices and their impact on student achievement in Title I schools. Title I schools with high percentages of children from low-income families often face unique challenges, making the study of leadership practices within these institutions especially significant.…

Like every student enrolled in a higher education institution, students from refugee backgrounds are not only concerned about how to get into college, but how to connect with the support systems available to them on campus. The purpose of this research was to examine the social support systems available to college students from refugee backgrounds…