High School Size and College Readiness in Texas

• In Event: Examining Restructuring and Reconceptualizing Efforts in High Schools

Abstract

Among the recommendations to improve student preparation for college is a reduction in large-sized high schools. Using archival data for 5 years, college readiness measures for English and math of Texas high school students were examined to determine the extent to which differences were present among large, medium, and small-sized schools. Students in large-size high schools (1,500+ students) had statistically significant higher college readiness rates in ELA, math, and both subjects combined than did students in the medium- or small-size schools. Effect sizes ranged from small to large and varied by year, subject, and ethnicity. More research is needed to confirm these findings in other states and to investigate the reasons for these differences between large and smaller schools.

Authors

• Robin Moore, Conroe Independent School District

• Julie P. Combs, Sam Houston State University

• John R. Slate, Sam Houston State University

• Cynthia Martinez-Garcia, Sam Houston State University