The purpose of this quasi-experimental quantitative study was to investigate the potential effect that blended learning has on student achievement in high school math. The theoretical framework used for this study was constructivism theory. The constructivism theory focuses on the idea that learning is a process where students build new knowledge…

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a one-to-one intensive tutoring program in English and Mathematics on improving English learners' test scores on standardized assessments like the Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). The program of interest in this study is called The Rising Stars Program and is designed based on…

A quantitative study was used to examine the college credit courses taken by college-ready African American high school students during 2017-2021. The study used the eighth-grade preliminary SAT (PSAT) scores as a selection criterion for college-ready African American students and examined the high school college credit courses that this group of…

Eighty percent of Colorado's students attend schools in rural or small rural school districts, but the majority of those students consistently perform below or well-below expectations on the state performance assessment (PSAT). In order to hold staff and stakeholders accountable for implementing successful strategies that lead to systemic changes,…

Students who are not proficient in math are more likely to face negative long-term effects. In addition to adults with a lack of math skills facing a range of potential economic and mental health issues, the nation is also negatively impacted by a society of individuals who cannot contribute to the technological infrastructure. Project-based…

As educators and school leaders work towards building students' capacity throughout a student's academic career, the goal is to facilitate opportunities for students to develop college and career readiness skills that can be applied to novel and challenging problems long after high school graduation. Hess' Cognitive Rigor Matrix (HCRM) is a tool…

The ex post facto study was conducted following a quasi-experimental design. Both the control group and the treatment group took the local assessments, PSAT, and the SAT. The control group was taught using a traditional Algebra II curricula for two units of study. The treatment and control groups were taught the same two units: systems of…

Too often research studies on Black boys emanate from deficit orientations and take a problem-centered approach that overemphasizes stereotypes or pathologizes Black male students, overlooking their aspirations and successes. Utilizing the High School Longitudinal Survey of 2009 (HSLS: 09), we examined the postsecondary goals of rural Black male…

We examine whether virtual advising -- college counseling using technology to communicate remotely -- increases postsecondary enrollment in selective colleges. We test this approach using a sample of approximately 16,000 high-achieving, low- and middle-income students identified by the College Board and randomly assigned to receive virtual…

Building off of other studies that examined the effectiveness of double-dose algebra programs such as Nomi and Allensworth (2009), this dissertation compared the performance outcomes of students enrolled in one of two alternatives to traditional high school algebra, a double-dose and a single-dose algebra program. This work utilized multiple…

To ensure that our students can compete in a global economy, successful teaching and learning of mathematics must become a priority within our schools. However, schools continue to track or group students by ability, which, in turn, systematically leaves students behind. Detracking will create a school system that provides both equity and…

The Algebra II Variable explores state-level mathematics policies on Algebra II, with specific examinations of graduation requirements and assessment policies and alignment to postsecondary expectations. This brief explores inconsistencies that exist both within and across states and reflects on the role and purpose of Algebra II as the Launch…

Younger siblings take more advanced high school course end of year exams when their older siblings perform better in those same exams. Using a regression discontinuity and data from millions of siblings who take Advanced Placement (AP) exams, we show that younger siblings with older siblings who marginally "pass" an AP exam are more…

The purpose of this sequential mixed methods study was to examine the relationship among student achievement factors, gifted and talented status and post-secondary readiness. The study included a review of archived data obtained from a large district in the southeastern region of Texas consisting of a purposeful sample of AP students' who took an…

This dissertation studies different social factors that affect students' cognitive, non-cognitive skills, and behaviors. The first chapter provides evidence on the immediate effects of exposure to violent crimes on academic performance and externalizing behaviors among high school students. I find that exposure to violent crimes decreases PSAT,…