Date of Award
8-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Education Systems Improvement Science
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Phillip Grant Jr.
Committee Member
Dr. Edmond Bowers
Committee Member
Dr. Kessa Roberts
Committee Member
Dr. Amanda Rumsey
Abstract
This study addressed limited academic achievement and limited access to meaningful learning opportunities among eighth grade students who are at risk of adverse educational outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine how implementing career-based and advanced coursework opportunities for eighth grade students who are at risk improves student engagement with relevant and meaningful learning while supporting progress in academic achievement. The study achieved this by reducing barriers to career-based and advanced coursework to expand access to these learning environments for students who are at risk.
Using a mixed-methods design, the team collected and analyzed data to monitor the progress toward increased engagement, improved academic achievement, and the reduction of perception and achievement gaps. Analyses included run and Shewhart charts, paired- and independent-samples t-tests, multivariant analysis of variance (MANOVA), visual analysis of line graphs, and thematic coding of qualitative responses.
Findings indicate that students who are at risk who participate in career-based and advanced coursework demonstrated improvements in academic performance and increased perceptions of engagement, particularly in the meaningfulness and relevance of their learning experiences. Additionally, gaps in both academic achievement and perception between students who are at risk and not at risk narrowed over the course of the intervention. These results suggest that reducing systematic barriers to earlier access of these courses can enhance engagement and academic outcomes for students who are at risk in the eighth grade and highlights the importance of equitable access to rigorous and meaningful learning opportunities.
Recommended Citation
Megna, Jamie, "Counting the Days: The Impact of Career and Advanced Coursework on Academic and Perceptual Outcomes for Eighth Grade Students Who Are At Risk of Experiencing Adverse Educational Outcomes" (2026). All Dissertations. 4357.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/4357