ERIC Number: ED653178
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 110
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3823-2843-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
School Choice and Impact on High School Graduation
Stacia Dillin
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Piedmont University
High school graduation represents a pivotal milestone with far-reaching implications for an individual's future in social, economic, professional, and personal spheres. Despite its significance, only approximately 85.5% of students in the United States successfully earn their diploma each year, with groups such as black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaskan Native, English-language learners, students with disabilities, and homeless students experiencing disproportionately lower graduation rates. Efforts to understand and address these disparities have led to interventions such as school choice. This approach allows students to select their educational institution rather than being limited by residential zoning. Research indicates potential benefits, including enhanced academic performance, reduced absenteeism, and decreased disciplinary issues. This study investigates the impact of school choice within a public charter school system in North Georgia on high school graduation rates while considering demographic variables. The system comprises six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, each offering distinct educational approaches. Findings from this study reveal that attendance at the International Academy, irrespective of demographic background, correlates with a lower likelihood of graduating within four years compared to other schools. Additionally, factors such as being black, being an English-language learner, having a disability, being male, or attending multiple elementary schools are associated with decreased graduation rates. These findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of graduation disparities, suggesting that while school choice plays a role, other factors like language proficiency and demographic characteristics significantly influence outcomes. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand and address these disparities in educational attainment. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: School Choice, High School Students, Graduation, Public Schools, Charter Schools, Graduation Rate, Student Characteristics, Racial Differences, English Language Learners, Students with Disabilities, Gender Differences, Prior Learning
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Georgia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A