EXPLORE Test and Ninth Grade Success in English 9 and Algebra I as related to End-of- Course Exams and Final Averages in a Rural East Tennessee High School

The purpose of this study was to compare scores students received on the eighth grade EXPLORE test in math and English to scores received in English 9 and Algebra I on both the End-of-Course (EOC) test and the final average in those courses. These scores were taken from a rural East Tennessee High School and the middle schools that feed into the high school. Data were collected over a 2-year period (2012 – 2014). Students who had a score in eighth grade and a corresponding score in ninth grade were included. All others were omitted. A series of Pearson correlations were conducted between EXPLORE scores in Math and English with final averages in English 9 and Algebra I and EOC scores in English 9 and Algebra I. An independent samples t test was conducted to determine whether the mean scores on the EXPLORE English and math test, mean scores for English 9 and Algebra I final averages and mean scores for EOC exams in English 9 and Algebra 1 differ between female and male students. Based on the findings of this study, the score received on the eighth grade EXPLORE in English has a strong positive correlation to the score received on the English 9 EOC and the final average in English 9. The same was 3 true for the score on the EXPLORE in math, it also had a strong positive correlation to the score received on the Algebra I EOC and the final average in Algebra I. Additionally gender has an impact upon English 9 final averages, English 9 EOC scores, Algebra I final averages and EXPLORE scores in English, with female students scoring higher than male students in those categories. Conversely gender did not have an effect on Algebra I EOC scores or EXPLORE scores in math. 5 DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to my family who has continually supported me throughout my educational career. Without the love and encouragement of my family, this process would have encountered numerous roadblocks and success would have been difficult to obtain. Although there were times that I had to continue writing instead of watching a movie, you all understood and encouraged me to push through and stay the course. First, I would like to recognize my appreciation and love for my beautiful wife Jami Corwin. I am truly blessed to have a kind and loving wife with whom I am …