COLLEGE READINESS OF BLACK AND WHITE STUDENTS IN READING, MATHEMATICS, AND BOTH SUBJECTS: A TEXAS, MULTIYEAR INVESTIGATION

Abstract

Analyzed in this investigation was the degree to which differences were present in college readiness in reading, mathematics, and in both subjects between Black and White students. Texas, statewide data were analyzed for five school years (i.e., 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2016-2017) to determine whether trends in college readiness rates of Black and White students were present in reading, mathematics, and both subjects. It was found that, in all five school years, White students were significantly more college ready from a statistical standpoint in comparison to Black students in reading, mathematics, and in both subjects. Effect sizes for these differences were all in the large range, indicating large practical differences in the college readiness skills of these two groups of students. Implications for policy and practice, as well as recommendations for future research are provided.