This study offers a novel approach to evaluating the predictors of first-year grade point average (FYGPA) in college by using multiple imputation and dominance analysis to compare high school GPA (HSGPA), ACT® test score, and demographic factors. Unlike previous research that typically relied on single regression models, this study reveals more…

This study sought to uncover insight into dual enrollment funding policies and procedures for institutions and their school district partners. Through a social constructivist lens, this phenomenological research study investigated the experiences of first-year, full-time students that had participated in a regional comprehensive university in the…

Background: School reforms requiring collaborations spanning multiple sectors are increasing in prevalence, but extant research has primarily focused only upon cross-sector partnerships involving education and social services. College and career readiness (CCR) reforms, such as the one highlighted in this study, are also often intrinsically…

The purpose of this quantitative dissertation in practice was to explore the academic achievement of students of low socioeconomic status attending the District of Columbia's traditional and selective public high schools, as measured by the annual Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) standardized test scores. The…

This critical ethnographic case study explores the impact of Performance-Based Assessment Tasks (PBATs) on high school dynamics and instructional practices, particularly in schools serving immigrant communities. PBATs, considered alternatives to standardized testing, have shown promise in enhancing student engagement, critical thinking, and…

The usefulness of college admissions test scores and high school GPA for predicting college success, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), has been widely debated. As colleges across the country face challenges in STEM student retention and achievement, understanding the factors that contribute to college…

San José's public schools provide a quality education, enhanced by programs and services that advance students' educational outcomes. Yet it is estimated that less than 4 of 10 students starting 9th grade will successfully navigate a path to and through postsecondary education. Many of these students lack clear guidance, financial resources,…

Climate change is amplifying existing inequities that disproportionately affect students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. Addressing these inequities and educating students about climate change should be a priority, as extreme weather events -- such as flooding, extreme heat or cold, severe storms,…

Thirty-one percent of all American undergraduate students are Pell Grant eligible, making students from low-income backgrounds a considerable proportion of undergraduate enrollment. Yet, these students are often under supported and languish in college environments that are not built for them, leading to profound achievement gaps both in…

There are different philosophies of educating students for three broad goals: College, Career, and Civic Life. Each needs to be evaluated in terms of relevancy. The school curriculum must be broad in scope to provide for individual differences among students. The student is the focal point in teaching and learning situations.

The St. Mary's University Jump Start summer bridge program for precalculus was implemented for the first time in August 2014 and completed its third iteration in August 2016. This 12-day summer bridge program occurred immediately before the beginning of the fall semester. The primary intent of this program was to effectively provide prerequisite…

Engagement and academic success in middle school is critically important to ensure students with disabilities complete high school and have a viable path to and through postsecondary education. Although most middle school students say they want to pursue postsecondary education or training, a significant proportion are not actively engaged in…

The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate how three school-based mentoring programs are preparing African American male youth for post- graduation, college, and careers. The influence of mentoring experiences and mentoring relationships are addressed in order to uncover the influence of racial matching on the mentoring relationship.…

The purpose of this study was to determine if attaining the college readiness indicators adopted by the Kentucky Board of Education affect postsecondary outcomes. This study evaluated students' overall college credit attainment in the first year of college to determine if attaining the college readiness indicators affects student performance…

For students entering college with very little or poor physics background, the transition into fast-paced calculus based physics courses at a large university can be demanding; this thesis documents tools used in a preparatory course which is intended to ease that transition by teaching fundamental skills and problem solving. Within the…