BLACK STUDENT COLLEGE READINESS AND HIGH SCHOOL SIZE: A TEXAS, MULTIYEAR ANALYSIS

In this Texas statewide study, we analyzed the relationship of high school size with Black student college readiness rates in English Language Arts, mathematics, and in both subjects for 5 school years (i.e., 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and 2010-2011). Categorizing the high schools into three groups (i.e., small-size < 400 students; medium-size = 401 to 1,500 students; large-size high schools > 1,500 students) using [1]’s criteria, Black students who were enrolled in large-size high schools had statistically significantly higher college readiness rates in English Language Arts, mathematics, and in both subjects than Black students who were enrolled in either medium-size or in small-size high schools for each of the 5 years examined in this study. Also documented herein were very low college readiness rates for Black students in Texas. Implications for policymakers and recommendations for future research are provided.