Date

6-2012

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Chair

Grania Holman

Primary Subject Area

Education, General; Education, Sociology of; Education, Secondary; Education, Educational Psychology; Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies

Keywords

Academic Engagement, Acculturation, Extracurricular Activities, Hispanic Students, Middle School

Disciplines

Education | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Race and Ethnicity | School Psychology | Sociology

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to examine the reasons why Hispanic middle grade students choose not to participate in school-based extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities have been recognized to have a positive influence on the educational success of students. Despite the positive effects, Hispanic students have been shown to participate in extracurricular activities at school less than other groups of students. The lack of participation by students in extracurricular activities is related to student disengagement and ultimately dropping out of school. This study uses three methods of data collection: analysis of documents and artifacts, a scaled survey, and a critical case participant who described the experiences of this minority population. The site of the study is a middle school with the highest percentage of minority students in its district. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the current trends of Hispanic nonparticipation in extracurricular activities while in middle school by identifying cultural predictors which prevent this population of students from participating in extracurricular activities. Further, the results may be used to implement strategies to encourage Hispanic students to become more involved in their school community through extracurricular activity participation.

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