Improving Student Achievement: Can Ninth Grade Academies Make A Difference?

Authors

  • Ronald Anthony Styron The University of Southern Mississippi
  • Eddie J Peasant Gulfport School District

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22230/ijepl.2010v5n3a179

Keywords:

Middle School, Leadership, Student Achievement

Abstract

This study focused on student achievement in ninth grade schools or academies compared to ninth grade students enrolled in traditional high schools. Student achievement was measured by standardized test scores. Other variables tested were gender and ethnicity. All students used in this study were enrolled in the ninth grade during the 2005-2006 school year at one of six schools selected for this research. Participants were enrolled in Algebra I and/or Biology I course(s) and therefore took the standardized Subject Area Test in these disciplines. Data indicated students enrolled in ninth grade academies scored significantly higher then ninth graders enrolled in traditional high schools on both the Algebra I and Biology test. Further analysis of data revealed significant differences based on ethnicity in achievement of Biology I students in the ninth grade academies when compared to the Biology I students in the traditional high schools. The African American students in the ninth grade academies had a higher mean score on the Biology I SAPT than Caucasian and African American students enrolled in the traditional high schools. Additionally, the Caucasian students in the ninth grade academies scored only .03 higher than the mean score of African American students in the ninth grade academies.

Author Biographies

Ronald Anthony Styron, The University of Southern Mississippi

Dr. Ronald A. Styron, Jr. has served as a K-12 teacher, assistant principal, principal, and community education coordinator. He is currently serving as chair and Associate Professor of the Department of Educational Leadership and School Counseling at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Eddie J Peasant, Gulfport School District

Dr. Eddie Peasant is Principal of Clinton High School, Clinton Public School District.

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Published

2010-05-06

How to Cite

Styron, R. A., & Peasant, E. J. (2010). Improving Student Achievement: Can Ninth Grade Academies Make A Difference?. International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.22230/ijepl.2010v5n3a179

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