ERIC Number: ED555043
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 86
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3032-2641-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Its Effect on Students in Poverty
Kobylinski-Fehrman, Margaret Julia
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Georgia State University
The achievement gap between middle class white students and black or Hispanic students living in low income households continues to be a persistent problem in education even ten years since the authorization of No Child Left Behind in 2001. This study examined the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and how students from low income households preformed on the Criterion Referenced Competencies Test (CRCT) mathematics and reading subtests when compared to similar students at a school with a traditional instruction program. Analysis of covariance was employed using scores from students' fifth grade composite Cognitive Abilities Tests as the covariate. The analysis did not detect a significant difference (p = 0.410) on the eighth grade adjusted means reading CRCT scores, but did detect a significant difference (p < 0.001) on the adjusted mathematics scores on the eighth grade CRCT in favor of the traditional instruction school. To help interpret quantitative results, teachers working at an International Baccalaureate Middle Years school were interviewed through a focus group setting to determine their perspectives on the how the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme played a part in achievement levels for their students. Through the focus group discussion, the teachers revealed that they felt the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme had an overall positive effect on their students' achievement and teachers' pedagogy. However, the teachers also shared that the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme required additional layers of requirements for teachers and students, which the teachers felt was stressful. [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://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Advanced Placement Programs, Focus Groups, Scores, Mathematics Achievement, Middle School Students, Poverty, Achievement Gap, White Students, African American Students, Reading Achievement, Reading Tests, Cognitive Tests, Mathematics Tests, Hispanic American Students, Criterion Referenced Tests, Interviews, Teacher Attitudes, Low Income, Teaching Methods, Academic Achievement, Middle School Teachers, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A