Project PROMISE (Proactive Research on the Mediating Indices of School Excellence)

The achievement gap is a priority problem in Kentucky and across the nation. A significant need exists to determine the issues underlying the disproportionate numbers of African-American students experiencing poor academic performance and school disengagement, and, by addressing them, to improve their academic performance, enhance their retention in schools, and to move them forward to successful postsecondary education and careers.

Project PROMISE, led by Lynda Brown Wright in the UK College of Education, is working to gather empirical data to unearth the correlates of school disengagement and poor academic performance experienced by African-American students in the Commonwealth.  Dr. Brown is collecting empirical data from African-American elementary, middle, and high school students in public schools and their parents to determine why the disparities exist and to suggest possible solutions. The project will obtain student views on these disparities and what can potentially alleviate them. Ultimately, the project aims at using evidence-based solutions for eliminating disparities and improving the overall schooling experiences for African-American students.

Actions and Outcomes to Date

The project has secured appropriate external partners, fine-tuned the methodology, done pilot testing, and received UK Institutional Review Board approval. Working with Louisville’s Central High School, Lexington’s Henry Clay and Bryan Station High Schools, and the YMCA Black Achievers of Lexington, a preliminary study sample subset has been completed with 231 students. Students were prompted to respond to questions providing insight into their family background and structure and their types of motivation. Another element probes the relationship between motivation, behavior, and the learning environment. Other items probe areas of social support, including socialization and entertainment, advice and counseling, and problem solving. Still others assess acculturation in African-American populations, relationship with God, and the degree to which individuals identify with the values, beliefs, and practices of African-American cultures. From among these, correlates for achievement and positive school experiences are sought.

To date 588 students have participated in the study, and very preliminary sample findings have been reached.  Analysis continues and findings will be disseminated on the Project PROMISE web site. Data collection will continue throughout the 2007-2008 school year, and may possibly expand the partnership to include the Campbellsville School District in rural Kentucky.

Based on pilot findings, an intervention strategy will be developed and extramural funding will be sought for an evidence-based prevention/intervention program.