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The purpose of this study was to determine if two independent variables,participation in an afterhours ACT Preparation course and attainment of the MissouriCollege Preparatory Studies Certificate, led to a significant difference in the dependentvariable, composite score change when comparing student scores on the PLAN®assessment and the ACT assessment. This researcher utilized a quantitative, quasiexperimental research design. The sample of the study included 1,212 students withidentifiable PLAN®and ACT scores from the Liberty Public Schools graduating classesof 2008, 2009, and 2010.A two-factor analysis of variance was utilized for hypothesis testing to determineif either independent variable had an effect on the dependent variable and if there was aninteraction between the two independent variables which affected the dependent variable.Analysis of the data indicated that participation in an afterhours ACT Preparation coursehad a statistically significant positive effect on the change in composite scores betweenthe PLAN®and the ACT assessments. The analysis also indicated that attainment of theMissouri College Preparatory Studies Certificate had a statistically significant positiveeffect on the change in composite scores between the PLAN®and the ACT assessments.The results of two-factor ANOVA indicated that there was not a statistically significantinteraction effect for the independent variables. Recommendations for further researchincluded replicating the study at LPS with additional graduating classes and subgroups aswell as conducting follow-up studies to determine if certificate status or participationstatus lower the chances students must enroll in remedial courses in college. |
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