Using an exploratory case study approach, this study examined the school leadership factors that contribute to building Latinx student social capital as well as the best practices for creating a more equitable AP program. Through this qualitative study, the organizational and leadership factors of the AP program at Stripes High School (pseudonym) were examined, and how these factors contributed toward closing the opportunity gap. This study used semi-structured interviews with district and campus leaders and an AP teachers focus group to determine leadership beliefs and actions that were successful in building an accessible and equitable advanced academics program for Latinx students, as well as an AP student focus group to triangulate the findings. The results of this study showed Latinx students, already lacking social capital, also face many barriers of different forms: systemic, structural and cultural in their educational opportunities for AP courses and exams. The case study campus overcame these barriers and increased equity by allowing Latinx students more access to AP courses and exams through district- and campus-level administrators working to remove barriers and hire and support the most capable and socially aware AP teachers who aim to grow and nurture the students who they serve. Based on the results from this study, there are two major recommendations for school leaders to consider in their effort to close the opportunity gap for Latinx students in AP coursework. These recommendations include offering open access to all students and hiring and training teachers who understand and value equity. While this study uncovered many factors at Stripes HS that collectively served to provide an equitable AP program for Latinx students, these recommendations were the highest leverage ones.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1752342 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Martinez, Jesús F. |
| Contributors | Murakami, Elizabeth, Gonzalez, Ricardo, Hudson, Johnetta, Benavidez, Sandra, Ezzani, Miriam |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | vii, 88 pages, Text |
| Rights | Public, Martinez, Jesus F., Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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