Murray State Theses and Dissertations
Abstract
The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine academic growth from the PreACT to the ACT among students attending a rural public high school in Alabama and to investigate whether socioeconomic status (SES) and attendance were associated with differences in that growth. Guided by Opportunity-to-Learn Theory, the study explored whether students demonstrated academic growth during high school and whether SES, attendance, or the interaction between these variables influenced growth outcomes. Archival student-level data were collected from four graduating cohorts. The final sample consisted of 384 students with complete records for PreACT scores, ACT scores, attendance, and socioeconomic status. Academic growth was calculated as the difference between ACT and PreACT composite scores. Descriptive statistics, an independent-samples t-test, simple linear regression, and multiple regression analyses were used to address the research questions. Results indicated that students demonstrated positive academic growth, with mean composite scores increasing from 16.34 on the PreACT to 18.05 on the ACT, representing an average gain of 1.71 points. No statistically significant differences in growth were found between economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged students. Attendance was not a significant predictor of academic growth and did not moderate the relationship between SES and growth. Overall, students demonstrated meaningful academic growth regardless of socioeconomic status or attendance level. These findings contribute to the literature on academic growth, college readiness, and educational accountability by distinguishing growth outcomes from achievement outcomes within a rural high school context.
Year manuscript completed
2026
Year degree awarded
2026
Author's Keywords
ACT, Attendance, Socioeconomic Status, PreACT, Academic Growth
Degree Awarded
Doctor of Education
Department
Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling
College/School
College of Education & Human Services
Dissertation Committee Chair
Landon Clark
Committee Chair
Landon Clark
Committee Member
Jonathan Parrent
Committee Member
Davey Reed
Document Type
Dissertation
Recommended Citation
Tinch, Stacy L., "Academic Growth From PreACT to ACT: The Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Attendance in a Rural Alabama High School" (2026). Murray State Theses and Dissertations. 454.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/etd/454
Revision 6/25/26 (Wilson)