29.086 - Promoting Gap-Closing Outcomes in the 21st Century for Students From Diverse Backgrounds

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In today’s educational climate, the achievement gap between minorities and their White counterparts is a continuing concern. Moreover, American students are performing at a level in the 50th percentile when compared to other developed countries. To provide solutions to these issues, the field needs research focusing on innovative strategies that garner success for all students while increasing achievement more so for minorities. This symposium will include presentations of current experimental research examining factors for their potential impact on student engagement and achievement. It is hoped that the results from these investigations will shed light on student engagement in learning and performance, implications for parents and children, and increase the quality of students’ overall schooling experience. Future research directions will be discussed.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Talent Development of Students Placed at Risk

Chair

• Richard D. Dixon, Capstone Institute at Howard University

Papers

• The Effects of Autonomy and Personalization on the Engagement of Latino Students - Nikeshia Pinnock Holt, Howard University

• The Effects of African American Middle School Students' Perceptions of Parental Involvement and Expectations on Academic Achievement - Yetunde Akinola, Howard University

• Impacts of Asset-Based Strategies on Student Engagement at a High-Needs Elementary School - Ladan Rahnema, Capstone Institute at Howard University

• Parents' Conceptions of Everyday Choices for Children - Janene Cielto, Northwestern University

Discussant

• Ashley R. Griffin, The Education Trust