A Multilevel Exploration of High School Algebra and English Grades: College Readiness in American Samoa

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: Readiness, Fit, and Match: Implications for College Access

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which both student-level and teacher-level characteristics predict grades in Algebra 2 and the highest English course that most high school graduates completed across six public high schools in American Samoa. Using the multilevel ordinal models, four cohort data spanning from 2013/14 to 2016/17 School Year were analyzed. Results revealed that Grade 9 SAT-10 math scores, grade 11 absences, and grade 9 cumulative GPA were strongly associated with student’s likelihood of earning an A± or B± grade in both Algebra 2 and English however, these variables performed variably across cohorts. Students’ genders and teacher absenteeism were also significantly associated with students’ English grades. Results offer leading indicators to help improve proficiency in these courses.

Authors

• Spencer Scanlan, Brigham Young University - Hawaii

• Seongah Im, University of Hawaii at Manoa