Networks of Encouragement: Who’s Encouraging Latina/o Students and White Students to Enroll in Honors and Advanced-Placement (AP) Courses?

ABSTRACT

Using affiliation network data collected at a large high school, this study examined differences between who encourages Latina/o and White students to enroll in advanced courses. Previous research has shown a positive association between emotional support and academic achievement, and thus, this study shifts the focus from who informs students to who encourages them. This study revealed that on average, Latina/o and White students have different networks of encouragement.

KEYWORDS:

• Tracking
• Latina/os
• high school students
• social support
• honors/AP

Notes

¹ Researchers ask respondents to explain their understanding of the survey questions to ensure that the researcher’s and the respondent’s conceptual understanding of the survey items are equivalent.