Date of Graduation

Spring 5-21-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College/School

School of Education

Department

Educational Leadership

Program

Catholic Educational Leadership EdD

First Advisor

Dr. Jane Bleasdale

Second Advisor

Dr. Ursula Aldana

Third Advisor

Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga

Abstract

Empowering Continuation High School Latinx Students

 

Peninsula High School (PHS), a continuation school in the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD), has seen an increase in Latinx student enrollment and a reduction in the number of them graduating and transitioning to college and trade schools. Despite efforts to better serve Latinx students and their guardians, PHS staff need help collaborating and finding strategies to help youth academically perform better. PHS Latinx students were empowered to lead Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), which conducted student-driven research between August through November of the 2023-2024 school year. In expanding their learning as participant researchers, they gathered feedback on their schooling experiences and wants from their Latinx peers and guardians. This YPAR project uniquely adds to the collective understanding of what facilitates and challenges Latinx student engagement and achievement. This work synthesizes the shared stories, critical thinking, learning, and ideas for school change of PHS Latinx students and their families.

The participant researchers hoped their work would enhance communication and collaboration among Latinx students, guardians, and PHS staff, leading to a more supportive school community. Using YPAR, the student researchers explored topics like cultural values, teaching, and mental health. Their findings and proposed solutions aimed to improve engagement and school performance, reversing the current trends of underperformance, irregular attendance, mental health issues, and low transitions to post-high school success. The research opened dialogues and strategies for ongoing support with the PHS staff.

This dissertation, written under the direction of the candidate’s dissertation committee and approved by the members of the committee, has been presented to and accepted by the Faculty of the School of Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education. The content and research methodologies presented in this work represent the work of the candidate alone.

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