Date of Award
Fall 12-14-2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Secondary Education - English (Ed.D)
Department
Secondary & Middle Grades Education
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Dail
Second Advisor
Dr. Anete Vásquez
Third Advisor
Dr. Jillian Ford
Abstract
High-achieving marginalized students of experience many barriers, influences, and distractions during their high school journey, which can impact their academic motivations. However many students are resilient and also overcome these challenges to achieve academic success. How do these students persist and remain motivated throughout high school despite various challenges? Applying Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory, this case study will examine the motivational factors of high-achieving marginalized high school students in the southeastern part of the United States. Using journal entries, surveys, and focus groups, this study will examine what motivates these students to achieve academic success. Based on the results, the anticipation is to narrow the academic opportunity gap while also exploring and determining asset-based educational and academic motivations which are best suited for high-achieving, marginalized students.