Decades of student achievement data reveal that schools in the United States do not adequately equip students with the skills needed for success in college. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the AP Capstone program, an Advanced Placement (AP) diploma program launched by the College Board in 2014, promoted specific…

This causal comparative study examined group differences in college readiness using the "Redefining Ready" college readiness indicators for rural community college students. Additional analysis focused on evidence supporting a high school experience, or combination of high school experiences, that most accurately correlates with academic…

Grade 7 students are not college-ready because they do not have skills for applying, accessing, or identifying their college needs. Students do not know the opportunities and resources available to help gain acceptance into college and feel they cannot apply for college due to financial, academic, career, or personal reasons. Districts fall short…

Limited research has examined Black girls' college readiness, college enrollment, and college persistence. As a result, this study analyzes the outcomes relative to AP course enrollment, dual credit enrollment, and high school grade point average of Black girls. Attention has been given to black men's disparity and lack of educational attainment…

Since its inception in 1955, dual credit has become an increasing popular way to not only prepare high school students for the rigors of college courses but to give some high school students the opportunity to complete anywhere from a few college courses to a complete associate degree while still in high school. High school dual credit programs…

In 2020, nearly half of Texas's 385,000 public high school graduates were unprepared for college-level reading or math. Limited research reveals K-12 faculty perceive limited roles and responsibilities in the college process, relying heavily on guidance counselors and college admissions counselors for preparing students for college and careers.…

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of African American college students living with hidden disabilities. Utilizing hope theory (Snyder et al., 1991) and loci-of-hope theory (Bernardo, 2010) the study aimed to explore hopeful factors that motivated participants to persist through college. The findings suggest that internal and…

This autoethnography analyzes how my life experiences both as a student and as an educator in this community influenced my principalship and my efforts to open a new elementary school focused on college and career readiness. The aim of this dissertation was to utilize an autoethnographic method to examine the process of opening a new elementary…

Since 2001, over two million children have experienced having one or both of their parents deployed (Tunac de Pedro et al., 2018). There is significant research that shows that "military children experience tremendous psychological strain as a result of stressful military related life events" (Tunac de Pedro et al., 2011, p. 567). The…

The purpose of this qualitative study was the exploration of the college readiness phenomenon as experienced through the lives of students with physical disabilities. This study addresses the limited educational literature on college readiness for students with physical disabilities. This study also gives evidence in explaining why a…

With the ongoing demographic shifts in the United States, there continues to be an increase of students from low-income households seeking further education (Castleman & Goodman, 2018, p. 20; Fry & Cilluffo, 2019, para. 3). One in three college students in the United States is considered low-income and has Pell Grant eligibility (Lumina…

The foundation of this research addresses the lack of college readiness by first-time college freshmen to adequately matriculate in college, which results in them failing classes and eventually dropping out of higher education. To remedy the problem, the purpose of the study will explore the use of dramatics to improve/strengthen the Social,…

This qualitative research study employed the Diverse Learning Environment Model to examine how dual credit/dual enrollment course participation by Native American students impacts their college readiness and transition to college. Literature shows that students who take dual credit/dual enrollment in high school are more likely to graduate from…

This dissertation explores the integration of work-study programs, mentorship, and support systems at Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School (CRTSHS) and their role in preparing underrepresented students for post-secondary education and professional careers. Utilizing a case study methodology, this research centers on an in-depth analysis of a…

Although students have more opportunities than ever before to participate in advanced academic programs while in high school, it is unclear whether this has affected their ability to succeed in college. To determine what impact the students' experiences in Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit coursework had on their level of college and career…