Increasing minority enrollment in advanced placement courses

UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jerry L. Oates (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
Advisor
John Rice

Abstract: The achievement gap between Black and White students has been an area of concern for a number of years. One of the contributing factors to this gap is the low minority enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP) classes. By reviewing literature on the subject, some of the reasons suggested for low enrollment are the “Acting White Syndrome”, socioeconomics, teacher expectations/perceptions, and selection processes. New Hanover High School is not exempt from the problem of low minority enrollment in AP classes, and has recently implemented a program help prepare students—minorities in particular—for AP classes. Through interviews with Black students who are currently enrolled and those who are not enrolled in AP courses, it is apparent that the “Acting White Syndrome” weighs heavily on their participation in these classes. The interviews also shed light on the fact that New Hanover High School needs to design a program to make more students and parents aware of the AP program. It is concluded that by implementing a program to increase AP awareness, more minorities may be inclined to participate in AP classes and thus help close the gap between White and Black students.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
A Thesis Submitted to the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Education
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
Advanced placement programs (Education)--North Carolina--New Hanover County, African Americans--Education, Minority students--Education
Subjects
Advanced placement programs (Education) -- North Carolina -- New Hanover County
African Americans -- Education
Minority students -- Education

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