<p> Metro Nashville Public Schools has transitioned each of their 12 zoned high schools to the academy model. The original basis of this study was to analyze student achievement and engagement between the different academies within MNPS high schools. However, as the study proceeded with data analysis, a need for baseline data became evident due to lack of completion during the initial five years of the transition to the academy model. </p><p> The findings show with regard to student achievement that 50% of schools across the nation are scoring better than MNPS on the national percentiles for the PLAN ACT. The researchers chose to use PLAN ACT instead of ACT with regard to student achievement because it is a better predictor of student achievement for the purpose of this study. It can be concluded from the research that females had higher graduation rates overall. </p><p> With regard to student engagement, it can also be concluded that attendance rates among all twelve academies were over 85%. When disaggregated by ethnic groups in the sample it was found that all had at or above a 90% attendance rate. The researchers also drew the conclusion that there was a disparity between the ratios of in-school suspensions (ISS) and out-of-school suspensions (OSS). This could possibly suggest inconsistency in how these discipline measures were implemented across MNPS academies.</p>

<p> Metro Nashville Public Schools has transitioned each of their 12 zoned high schools to the academy model. The original basis of this study was to analyze student achievement and engagement between the different academies within MNPS high schools. However, as the study proceeded with data analysis, a need for baseline data became evident due to lack of completion during the initial five years of the transition to the academy model. </p><p> The findings show with regard to student achievement that 50% of schools across the nation are scoring better than MNPS on the national percentiles for the PLAN ACT. The researchers chose to use PLAN ACT instead of ACT with regard to student achievement because it is a better predictor of student achievement for the purpose of this study. It can be concluded from the research that females had higher graduation rates overall. </p><p> With regard to student engagement, it can also be concluded that attendance rates among all twelve academies were over 85%. When disaggregated by ethnic groups in the sample it was found that all had at or above a 90% attendance rate. The researchers also drew the conclusion that there was a disparity between the ratios of in-school suspensions (ISS) and out-of-school suspensions (OSS). This could possibly suggest inconsistency in how these discipline measures were implemented across MNPS academies.</p>

<p> African-American student achievement is a pervasive problem for school communities. This qualitative research explores the Black Church's role in the bicultural development of six African American male students. Using the critical theory of biculturalism this study seeks to determine what aspects of the Black Church experience influence the African American male's ability to navigate the school environment and participate in school. This dissertation study utilized the complementary methodologies, <i>testimonies</i> and witnessing, to document the students experiences in the school and church communities. Data analysis included holistic-content analysis. Findings indicate the Black Church was an effective vehicle for the empowering process of biculturation. Through it's critical teachings, cultural responsive care, and engaged pedagogy, the Black Church affirms the bicultural students and helps them contend with their personal experiences with oppressive individuals and structures. The findings support the need for the Black church to participate in education reform efforts affecting African-American students. The findings also support a renewed focus on engaging teachers in the utilization of culturally responsive care in their interactions with African-American students.</p>

<p> The purpose of this action research, mixed methods study was to explore the impact of the AP Program on the high school and college experience of students, both from an academic and a "lived experience" perspective. In addition, the study investigated the costs and values of the AP Program to the institution itself. The study revealed that the AP Program continues to contribute significant value to students' high school educations, generally prepares them well for success at college, and often contributes to the acquisition of important credit and placement accommodations for students when matriculating at college. The study also revealed that, although the Program contributes a great deal of stress to the high school experience, students do not see this as a significant impediment to participation. However, the study also revealed several opportunities for the institution to better prepare students for the rigor of the Program and their use of AP scores in obtaining accommodations at college. Finally, the study demonstrated that while the AP Program contributes important value to the teaching experience, marketing of the institution, and the college admissions success of the school, there are important issues that warrant further consideration and review, not the least of which is the quality of the non-AP curriculum that is offered to students who do not meet the prerequisites of the AP Program.</p>