Multicultural education in Michigan tri-county area school districts: Perceptions of high school principals

Relena D Boone-Robinson, Wayne State University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine high school principals' perception of multicultural education in their schools and to determine the analytical variance in correlations or perceived relationships of these perceptions to student achievement. This study was a nonexperimental descriptive statistical analysis of questionnaires completed by high school principals. The sample population for this investigation was comprised of high school principals from the tri-county area in Michigan, with the exception of Detroit Public school district. Instrument of measurement for principal's perception of multicultural education was determined by responses to questionnaires designed by Washburn (1995) modified by Ivezaj (1996). Questionnaires were administered to high school principals in schools ranging from 9th to 12 th grade. Research questions proposed in this study determined if student demographics, academic outcomes, or perception of high school principals influenced or was influenced by the presence or absents of multicultural programs in the schools. Multiple Regression Stepwise technique used data from students' demographics, school progress (AYP), test scores (ACT and SAT), and principals responses to questionnaires regarding their perception of multicultural education, and identifying variables related to professional/educational experiences used to make predictions. The utilization of descriptive statistical analysis and multiple regression results identified variables in this study that could predict principal's perception of multicultural education. According to the results of this study the academic outcome for AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) was identified as a variable influence on high school principals' perception of multicultural education. Principals' level of education and years of experience were also predictors for positive perceptions of multicultural education for high school principals.

Recommended Citation

Relena D Boone-Robinson, "Multicultural education in Michigan tri-county area school districts: Perceptions of high school principals" (January 1, 2009). ETD Collection for Wayne State University. Paper AAI3359615.
http://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/dissertations/AAI3359615