The Role That Teachers Play in College Placement Among First-Generation Youth

• In Event: 21.060 - Fairmont Royal York Roundtable Session Two
  In Roundtable Session: 21.060-1 - Contributions to Equity Through Systems, School Choice, Teachers, and Arts

Abstract

Using ethnographic data, which includes classroom observations, teacher and student surveys, and semi-structured interviews, our study suggests that while first-generation low-income students of color rely heavily on their guidance counselors to help them apply to college, they rely on their teachers for personalized advice about where they should apply and what they should ultimately do. These findings have significant implications for the educational policies and school practices that support first-generation low-income students of color.

Authors

• Erika Kitzmiller, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Diana Elizabeth Cruz, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Kurrinn Abrams, The Opportunity Network

• Ted Domers, Carver High School for Engineering and Science

• Kelly Carde, Teachers College, Columbia University