Latina Advancement via Individual Determination Student Perspectives on College Readiness

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)

Department

Counseling

Date of Award

Spring 2023

Abstract

Many districts across Texas have adopted programs built on the goal of providing more opportunities within their repertoire for servicing traditionally underserved students (AVID, 2023). Friou (2016) reported that 62 districts across Texas have utilized the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which aimed to bridge the gap in academic achievement among all student groups while working toward college readiness. Previous studies have explored the AVID program regarding participating students’ achievement versus nonAVID student success, including Lozano et al. (2009), Watt et al. (2004), and Watt et al. (2006), one of which revealed that AVID students achieved at a greater rate than non-AVID students in high school academics. Based on these findings, it appeared that underrepresented student populations in universities benefit from the added academic interventions and support that AVID participation provided for students while in high school through higher test scores, graduation rates, and higher admissions into post-secondary programs. However, gaps existed in the exploration of a subgroup represented within AVID programs in Texas. It was valuable to take a closer look into the Latina AVID student perception of college readiness. While every AVID student is worthy of a magnified view into their feelings of preparedness through participation in the program, this study focused on one student group, the Latina female. Ura’s (2022) recent demographic review indicated that the Hispanic/Latinx population is now the largest demographic group in Texas. As the Latinx population in Texas continues to grow, educators, community members, and stakeholders have an increased responsibility in preparing students for post-secondary educational opportunities. Exploring the lived experiences of Latina AVID students in their perceptions of college readiness is vital for the future of this often-underrepresented population in post-secondary collegiate settings. This insight will support the benefits of continued intervention for Latina students, explore family support, as well as promote a greater understanding of the longstanding benefits of a positive teacher-and student-relationship, which propels students forward. Latina student participants also shared the insights and wisdom they would pass down to other AVID students who will soon follow their path toward college.

Advisor

James Devlin

Subject Categories

Counseling | Education | Secondary Education | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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