Access to high quality curriculum through acceleration/college preparatory programs is essential to student success in their post-secondary education and opportunities. However, African-American and Hispanic minority students are disproportionately underrepresented in these programs. These lower rates of participation have the potential to impact…

The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of advanced students who live in poverty and their choices regarding taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Ten urban high school students were interviewed regarding their decision-making process regarding coursework to investigate supports or barriers that exist. Four themes became…

Currently school reform discourse encourages states to adopt college readiness standards. Meanwhile, federal and state accountability and related mandated reforms remain a policy concern. As such, it is important to examine the interplay between accountability and the establishment of a college-going culture in high "minority", high…