Full Citation
Title: An Analysis of the Relationship between the Percentage of Enrolled Students Receiving Special Education and High School Graduation Rates
Citation Type: Dissertation/Thesis
Publication Year: 2013
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Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship in the percentage of enrolled students receiving special education services to the high school graduation rates of the campus and students in sub-group (White, African American, and Hispanic) populations. Educators are faced with concerns regarding special education and high school graduation during this age of accountability. With the goal of improving educational results for all students, federal legislation mandated a decrease in the special education population while also increasing the overall high school graduation rates. Previously, special education was viewed as an escape from the accountability standards of general education. Variables for this study included the percent of enrolled students receiving special education services, percent of students who graduated, percent of student body considered economically disadvantaged, and percent of student body with high student mobility. A partial correlation was conducted to examine the relationship between the percentage of enrolled students receiving special education services and overall high school graduation rates when the percent of the student body considered economically disadvantaged and the percent of the student body with high student mobility are controlled. The results of the statistical analysis provided evidence of a weak negative relationship between the percentage of enrolled white students receiving special education services and high school graduation rates of the white student population when economically disadvantaged status and mobility are controlled. For the campus enrollment and student sub-group (African American, and Hispanic) populations, the results of the study indicated there is no relationship between enrollment in special education and high school graduation rates when economically disadvantaged status and mobility are controlled. In summary, educators are faced with the responsibility of making appropriate decisions to insure high school graduation for individual students. The results of this study may be valuable in guiding policy makers and educators as they make data driven decisions to promote high school graduation rates.
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Authors: Barron, Janice, B
Institution: Tarleton State University
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Degree: Doctorate in Education
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Pages: 124
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Education
Countries: United States