Exploratory Factor Structure of a Holistic Instrument Assessing Need and Readiness of "Forgotten Middle" Students

• In Event: 34.096 - MTCC Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 34.096-4 - Special Populations: Critical Issues of Forgotten Middle, Refugee, and Migrant Youth

Abstract

There is an increased emphasis today on postsecondary readiness, which includes college and career readiness. A holistic perspective of postsecondary readiness, which includes both cognitive and non-cognitive indicators, provides a richer view of a student’s potential for success following high school. The purpose of this study was to determine the exploratory factor structure of a multidimensional instrument that broadly assesses the academic, behavioral, and motivational need and readiness of forgotten middle students who are applicants for a community-school partnership program. Three factors were retained that focused on practical, interpersonal, and academic skills sets; these factors indicate that readiness and need for the community-school partnership program is multidimensional and cannot be reduced to academic readiness.

Authors

• Cordelia Zinskie, Georgia Southern University

• Dan W. Rea, Georgia Southern University