Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The ability to read proficiently is a skill often considered necessary for the success of an individual while in school and after graduating from high school. Although reading proficiency plays a large role in an individual's success, many students in our nation’s schools struggle to read and comprehend the texts they are presented with in their academic courses. The purpose of this research study was to determine whether a link existed between the reading proficiency and college and career readiness of high school agriculture students. The study used a mixed methods approach that collected both qualitative and quantitative data to answer the research questions guiding it. Qualitative data was collected using a focus group consisting of teachers employed within the Career, Technology, and Agriculture Education (CTAE) Department of the school being studied. The data collected showed the participating teachers use a variety of strategies in their classrooms including paired reading, speech to text, closed captioning on videos, graphic organizers, and other methods to help meet the needs of struggling readers. Quantitative data was analyzed through the use of statistical analysis to determine whether a correlation exists between student Agriculture End of Pathway Assessment (EOPA) scores and their corresponding Lexile levels. The results of the statistical analysis revealed that a moderately positive correlation does exist between the two variables being studied, indicating that the variables have an impact on one another. Based on the data gathered, a link does exist between the reading proficiency and college and career readiness of high school agriculture students.

Year manuscript completed

2025

Year degree awarded

2025

Author's Keywords

College and Career Readiness, Dual Enrollment, End of Pathway Assessment

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Education

Department

Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling

College/School

College of Education & Human Services

Dissertation Committee Chair

Randal H Wilson

Committee Member

Jonathan Parrent

Committee Member

Alyx Shultz

Document Type

Dissertation

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