Equity Policies and Enrollment Practices: Is Advanced Placement a Reality for All Students?

• In Event: 16.056 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.056-9 - Examining Factors That Impact Access to Higher Education for Middle School, High School, and the Transition to College

Abstract

The Advanced Placement (AP) program allows students to participate in college preparatory coursework while in high school (HS) as well as the option of earning college credit. It is presumed enrollment policies provide students with equal opportunities and access to AP. Yet, African American and Hispanic students from poverty are underrepresented student groups accessing AP. Traditional HS practices influenced by staff biases, master schedules, assessments and tracking created barriers, preventing some students from identification and preparation for rigorous, college preparatory courses (DeLany, 1991; Taliaferro DeVance & DeCuir-Gunby, 2008). The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of personnel working at a high poverty, predominately minority HS on policies and practices that determine minority and low-income student enrollment in AP.

Author

• Tiffinie Irving, Wichita State University