An analysis of the influence of informtion on the educational aspirations of black high school seniors

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1988
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Abstract

The influence of systematic information interventions on black high school students in Virginia was examined in this study. The State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) sponsored a series of information intervention activities since 1982 to influence black high school student aspirations for college. This study was designed to examine influences on college aspirations attributable to the SCHEV activities.

A survey originally designed by SCHEV and the Department of Education was modified to collect data from 1151 black graduating seniors from representative high school districts in Virginia. The data were analyzed by cross-tabulation and chi square procedures. Results of the analyses suggested that one information intervention—Better Information Workshops—had more influence on college aspirations than other interventions, including published brochures, videotapes/cassettes, and public service announcements.

Respondents indicated that their aspirations were influenced significantly by parents, other adults, guidance counselors, peers, and teachers. Almost 70% of the respondents would be first generation college students. In addition, fewer males than females were found to aspire to college attendance.

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