Perceptions of a New Engineering Early College High School: Advancing Educational Opportunities for Urban Students

• In Event: 14.046 - Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: 14.046-4 - Design and Research in Learning Environments

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore teachers', students', and a principal’s perceptions of the successes and challenges during the first year of a newly established engineering-focused Early College High School (EECHS) in the Southeastern region of the United States. The general early college model has gained recent popularity in making college more accessible for at-risk and underrepresented groups; however, there is limited research centered on the learning environment, curriculum, and instruction at EECHSs. Our analysis across multiple data sources indicated numerous successes and relatively few challenges encountered by the participants in their first year of implementation. Other institutions interested in creating an EECHS will benefit from the perspectives, advice, and lessons learned from the research participants.

Authors

• Cindy Marie Gilson, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Michael S. Matthews, University of North Carolina - Charlotte