Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Philosophy (Ph.D)

Department

Education Specialties

First Advisor

Brett Blake

Second Advisor

Jordan Gonzalez

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to examine the perceptions and attitudes of students towards education’s ability to improve their future outcomes. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological research design in order to closely examine students’ experiences. Participants for this study were selected from a single district on Long Island from one grade. Student participants were all from similar socioeconomic backgrounds and were all eligible for free and reduced lunch through the school district. Data was collected via various methods. Interviews were conducted with each participant and each interview was recorded and later transcribed to enable for each disaggregation of data. One 47-minute observation was conducted of each student in either their English Language Arts or math class. Teachers also provided artifacts of each student’s work. Lastly, data was collected through a close examination of the registration packets that parents completed when registering their children for school. Permission was obtained to participate in this study which provided the ability to collect data in all of these ways. This study is significant because it points to pivotal information regarding how educators and stakeholders can ensure the curriculum is geared toward assisting students in achieving their dreams and aspirations. It also provides a better understanding of how students view specific subjects and their importance in their lives which ultimately can help to drive decisions regarding students’ ability to be successful in school.

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