A discrepancy in high school graduation rates for low socioeconomic students has been a historical trend. Despite evidence that reduced high school completion rates limit these students' career options and earning potential, state and national data consistently show a higher failure-to-graduate rate for them despite government interventions to…

State reading exams are crucial in determining students' reading proficiency. The problem is students in inner-city Title 1 middle schools in New York City are consistently performing below the national average on the mandated New York State Reading Exam. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore barriers teachers and…

From an educational equity perspective, all students need to have appropriate learning opportunities that are close to their own cultural contexts (e.g., families and communities). Based on the transformative social-emotional learning (SEL) framework, the mixed-methods study explored how culturally relevant reading experiences can be…

This quantitative, nonexperimental study used Bronfenbrenner's process-person-context-time (PPCT) model to determine if mathematics scores of underprivileged, minority third- and fourth-grade students attending an inner-city school in a Central Oklahoma school district differed between their traditional 2018-2019 school year and post-lockdown…

The problem addressed in this study is the high dropout and poor graduation rates among at-risk students attending Title I high schools in Virginia. The purpose of this causal comparative study was to (a) assess current levels of school connectedness, achievement focus, student persistence, grades, and attendance of at-risk high school students in…

One in four teachers have left the profession due to the global pandemic causing a national shortage of quality teachers in science and math subjects. The problem that this qualitative case study investigated was a shortage of quality science and math teachers for underrepresented high school students. The gap in the literature was identified to…

Kindergarten unreadiness for children in poverty contributes to an early and persistent achievement gap in elementary school that can evolve into an opportunity gap in adulthood. This study explored the effect of the federally funded Preschool Development Grant program on school readiness for marginalized children in Southern Arizona. The…

The purpose of this study was to examine the dispositions of Sierra Leone's higher education stakeholders toward using a community college system as an alternative model for expanding postsecondary accessibility in Sierra Leone. The study was prompted by a high number of students failing to gain admissions into universities in Sierra Leone every…

According to multiple studies, a referral process bias exists in the early identification of autism for children of color, in particular Latino children. Sociocultural, economic, educational, and health care barriers have significantly impacted Latino children. For example, Latino children are less likely to receive access to early intervention…

Underrepresented students struggle with academic and engagement behaviors in online learning. This study aimed to explore the perceived educational needs of underrepresented high school students during online learning. The conceptual framework created for this study utilized two different frameworks, combining the students' perceived educational…

This dissertation examined educational inequities exacerbated by disparities in technology and internet access in Title I schools. The global influence of information communication technologies on educational delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted critical issues in technology access. The shift to remote learning…

Early childhood is a crucial time in a child's development and is often the entry point for a child experiencing developmental delays in the special education process. Parents play an essential role in the special education process as the child's primary caregivers. This study examined the decision-making process of economically disadvantaged…

School choice is a tool used to fight inequality and is important to consider how students are assigned to schools. The essays in this dissertation study mechanisms designed to improve and understand students' attendance at schools. Chapter 1 examines the inequality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to schools switching to a hybrid…

This study aims to determine if the educational approach of educator Marva Collins was counter-hegemonic through a critical race theory (CRT) lens. This is a study in contemporary history using autobiographical and archival materials and in-depth interviews to explore the relationship between her educational approach and that used by the…

From the beginning of American history, disparity and inequity have existed in American society. This applies especially in the realm of education. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced in America. Adding to the already existing history of systemic educational oppression, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the many underserved and…