Book Description

The purpose of this research study was to examine the comparative differences that exist in Title I and non-Title I schools as it pertains to student achievement levels and school climate perceptions. The study sought to examine the differences in achievement levels, as measured by students' MSA scores and school climate measures in Title I and non-Title I schools. Survey research methodology was used to identify school climate. The school environment survey was administered to students in the 20 elementary schools in grades three and five. The survey measured 5 dimensions of climate: welcoming environment; physical environment; discipline; nurturing learning environment; and diversity and commonality. In a setting where the median household income is above {dollar}90,000, where resources are abundant in the schools, and where 90% of the students who graduate continue with their education, the findings of this research showed support for the following conclusions. Despite the affluence in this school system: (1) There is a difference in the academic achievement of students, as measured by the state criterion-referenced reading and/or math sections of the MSA test in Title I elementary schools in comparison to non-Title I elementary schools, (2) There is a difference in the academic achievement of students, as measured by a state criterion-referenced reading and/or math sections of the MSA test based on gender, (3) There is a difference in the academic achievement of students, as measured by a state criterion-referenced reading and/or math sections of the MSA test based on ethnicity, (4) There are differences in the perceptions of school climate among students in Title I elementary schools versus non-Title elementary schools, (5) There are differences in the perceptions of school climate among students based on gender, and (6) There are differences in the perceptions of school climate among students based on ethnicity. -- Abstract.