An Analysis of the A-G Requirement in a Rural California High School
Graduation Date
Summer 2010
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Lisa Ray Kelly
Abstract
California’s A-G requirements are 15 courses high school students must successfully complete to be eligible for a California State University or University of California. School X’s A-G rate is consistently lower than the State average. This study examines the causes for School X’s low A-G rate. Previous literature addressed factors affecting A-G completion, such as ethnicity, gender, household income, school performance, non-enrollment, and attendance. School X’s CSU Eligibility Reports uncovered the most difficult courses to complete, the courses in which students did not enroll, and the students who successfully completed the A-G requirements. In all, 412 graduates were sampled. Non-enrollment in laboratory science, mathematics, and Language Other Than English courses was the major cause of A-G incompletion. School X’s students also struggled to earn the necessary grades. Females edged males in A-G completion, and 89% of students who completed the A-G requirements were enrolled in honors or advanced placement courses.