Teacher Perspectives of Factors That Cause High School Dropout
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
TEACHER PERSPECTIVES OF FACTORS THAT CAUSE HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT RATES FOR LATINO STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY by Isis Gonzalez Liberty University A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education Liberty University 2021 2 TEACHER PERSPECTIVES OF FACTORS THAT CAUSE HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT RATES FOR LATINO STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY by Isis Gonzalez A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 2021 APPROVED BY: Phyllis Booth-Cox, Ed.D., Committee Chair Susan Quindag, Ed.D., Methodologist 3 ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to identify and report the experiences of high school teachers working with at-risk Latino students on prevention high school dropout in public schools in Los Angeles, California. This study was beneficial as it informed school administrators and teachers on the factors that cause Latino students to drop out of high school and highlight successful strategies and interventions used to retain at-risk students in school. The theory that guided this study is the cultural ecological theory by John Ogbu. Focus groups, open- ended semi-structured interviews, and observational field notes were the tools utilized for data collection. Data analysis further indicated that a lack of educational and social factors contributed to high school dropout for at-risk Latino students. The findings included five major themes that collectively outline the factors needed to support high school retention for at-risk Latino students: creating trusted relationships, prevention programs, school climate, student intrinsic factors, and family support. Future research needs to be conducted to broaden the scope of the five themes to include high school retention in different parts of the Unites States. Additionally, research should also consider dropout rates for at-risk Latino students in more affluent school districts and the positive impact providing educational opportunities for Latino parents. Keywords: autonomous minorities, dropout, immigrant, involuntary minorities, Latino, nonimmigrant minorities, voluntary minorities 4 Dedication First and foremost, I want to give all the Glory and Honor to Him who is the only one worthy of it, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As I complete this educational journey, I am forever knowing that God is with me in every situation I will face, “do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (New International Version, 2011, Isaiah 41:10) I acknowledge my amazing husband and best friend, Pastor Christian Gonzalez for providing me with all the love and support that I needed when embarking on this journey. Thank you for always pushing me to do my best no matter the situation. Thank you for believing in me when I doubted myself. I love you so much Mijo. To my two gifts from above, Uriah and Caleb: thank you for all your patience, especially when mommy needed some time alone to write this research study. I do this for you, praying one day you will follow the same educational path that I have traveled. I want to thank my sister Mayra Herrera for being my biggest cheerleader, I will forever thank you Sissy for riding this life journey with me no matter where I went. I will never forget the times you stayed with me after school to support me in all my school functions and then rode that long bus ride back home with me so that I would not ride alone. I am so blessed that God gifted me with an amazing, loving, and kindhearted sister, like you. To my big Sister Gabriela Lobera, I express my gratitude for believing in me and for always providing the means and support to help me pursue all my educational goals. 5 Acknowledgements To Dr. Rebecca Hommer: I will never find the words to express how much I am grateful for the immense help you provided me during this process. Thank you for making me a better writer and pushing me beyond my limits. Thank you for being a mentor, tutor, academic adviser, and most importantly, my friend. I will forever thank God for putting you in my path. Honestly, I would have not been able to complete this journey without your support, and for that, I will forever be grateful to you. Dr. Phyllis Booth-Cox, my dissertation committee chair: thank you for guiding me through this journey every step of the way. Your love for God and your students was very evident, thank you for always sharing scriptures every week with us and letting God use you for His Glory. I am also humbled by the dedication and contributions of my committee member, Dr. Susan Quindag. Thank you for offering your time, support, and expertise to my study. I am very grateful for all the times you made yourself available to help me make corrections to my manuscript. You were a blessing sent from above. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge my “Rooted Sisters”, Liz Ramos, Shirley Merino, Scheyla Rodriguez, Lynnette Ramos, and Mayra Muῆoz for being there for me, rooting for me every step of the way. Your love and encouragement truly helped me complete this journey. To my amazing neighbor Betty Fleit, thank you for all the long walks you took with me every time I needed to take a break from writing. To my Fe y Esperanza/Faith and Hope Church Family, I will always be grateful for all the prayers you have lifted to God on behalf of my family and me. It is a true privilege being your Pastora these past 12 years. I love you all so much!!! 6 Table of Contents ABSTRACT .....................................................................................................................................3 Dedication ........................................................................................................................................4 Acknowledgments............................................................................................................................5 List of Tables .................................................................................................................................10 List of Figures ................................................................................................................................11 List of Abbreviations .....................................................................................................................12 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................13 Overview ............................................................................................................................13 Background ........................................................................................................................14 Situation to Self..................................................................................................................21 Problem Statement .............................................................................................................24 Purpose Statement ..............................................................................................................25 Significance of the Study ...................................................................................................25 Research Questions ............................................................................................................29 Definitions..........................................................................................................................30 Summary ............................................................................................................................31 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................33 Overview ............................................................................................................................33 Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................................33 Related Literature...............................................................................................................52 Summary ............................................................................................................................64 CHAPTER THREE: METHODS ..................................................................................................66 7 Overview ............................................................................................................................66 Design ................................................................................................................................67 Research Questions ............................................................................................................70 Setting ................................................................................................................................70 Participants .........................................................................................................................72 Procedures ..........................................................................................................................73 The Researcher's Role ........................................................................................................75 Data Collection ..................................................................................................................76