Identifying and Measuring Expectation Gaps in Texas Public Schools

Abstract

This research targets student expectation levels in school districts across Texas and seeks to identify and measure differences according to demographic data obtained from the Texas Education Agency. Specifically, this study investigates whether school districts in Texas hold varying levels of expectations for different racial and ethnic groups and, if so, what is the degree of difference in expectation levels? The results of the study indicate that African American students are more than twice as likely to face lower expectations in Texas public schools as Hispanic and White students. In addition, no statistically significant differences were found in the expectation levels for Hispanic compared with American Indian students, and only a small difference was found to exist between these two groups and White students. Finally, the results are discussed in light of the complex social and academic factors that contribute to expectation levels for students.