The Relationship Among African American Students\u27 Sat Reasoning Test Scores And Participation In Advanced Placement Courses In One Large Urban School District In A Southern State In 2010-2011

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the relationship of Advanced Placement (AP) participation on closing the achievement gap between African American students and other ethnic/racial groups (White, Hispanic, and Asian) in a large urban school district in a southern state. Two major issues were considered: (a) the impact of high school student Advanced Placement participation on SAT Reasoning Test scores and (b) the correlation between increased high school student Advanced Placement participation and closing the academic achievement gap between African American and other ethnic/racial groups. A significant difference was found to exist in the mean SAT Reasoning Test scores among different ethnic/racial groups during the 2010-2011 school year. African American student mean scores were significantly lower on the SAT Reasoning Test when compared to all ethnic/racial groups identified in this study, regardless of the independent variable (no AP participation, one AP course, two or more AP courses). However, the results did indicate that African American participation in AP courses was significantly lower than all other ethnic/racial groups in this school district. Additionally, information was provided for school leaders regarding the development of a systematic approach to creating equity and access for African American students to fully engage in a college going culture through participation in Advanced Placement courses