Ensuring Access to Programming for All Students: An Evaluation of Equity in a District's International Baccalaureate Programming

• In Event: 18.024 - Evaluating the Jump on College: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and College Prep Programs

Abstract

Persistent opportunity and achievement gaps for disadvantaged and minority students and their peers continue to pose a myriad of challenges for district and school leaders. Federal, state, and school district policies proport to ensure “equal educational opportunities” for all children, yet almost half a million low-income students and students of color continue to be underrepresented in the most rigorous course offerings, specifically International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) classes. This case study evaluates programmatic access and effectiveness of one district’s IBDP through a student perception survey and descriptive and regression analyses of three graduation cohorts. The findings demonstrate underrepresentation of Hispanic students and the structural barriers that cause inequities in program access.

Authors

• Leila Richey Nuland, Hanover Research

• Michael Greenfield, Harrison Central School District

• Cate Keller, Hanover Research

• Nadya Abramava, Hanover Research

• Joy Gitter

• Iris Lew