Achievement Trend and Growth in Higher Education: An Investigation of Gender, Ethnic Differences, and School Effects

• In Event: Methodological Issues in Evaluating Higher Education Outcomes

Abstract

This research study will examine the different achievement trend that may exist during university students’ progression from freshmen to seniors. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) methodology will be used to determine whether male and female students and different ethnic groups differ in their starting status (e.g., SAT/ACT scores) and growth trend during their progression from freshmen to seniors using Proficiency Profile (EPP) scores. We will also investigate whether there are significant school differences in terms of students’ average status and growth rates related to the differences of school type, school size and school ranking.

Authors

• Zhen Wang, ETS

• Rochelle S. Michel, ETS

• Weiling Addy Deng, ETS