Valedictorians in the Making: A Study of the Influential Factors Affecting Student Success
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| Title: | Valedictorians in the Making: A Study of the Influential Factors Affecting Student Success |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Marie Olson, Aura Wharton-Beck |
| Source: | Education Leadership Review of Doctoral Research. 2025 13:27-45. |
| Availability: | International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership. Web site: https://www.icpel.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Academic Achievement, High Achievement, High School Graduates, Student Motivation, High School Students, Culturally Relevant Education, Parent Influence, Environmental Influences, Performance Factors, Teacher Influence, Individual Characteristics, Personality Traits, Influences |
| ISSN: | 2832-4250 |
| Abstract: | One of the most underutilized resources in education are the experiences of our top achievers. This qualitative case study highlights the educational journeys of 15 high school valedictorians from urban, suburban, and rural schools. Researchers uncovered the sources of motivation that drove valedictorians to relentlessly achieve excellence throughout their educational careers. The findings of this research revealed influences in the lives of valedictorians. These influences lead to the development of personal qualities. Those strong influences coupled with the development of personal qualities became paramount to overcoming adversities they faced. Those factors were explained and supported through three theoretical frameworks: Culturally responsive pedagogy, marginality and mattering, and habits of mind. Implications and recommendations for parents, PK-12 educators and school officials focused on building robust supports for students and teaching strong personal qualities for a healthy mindset. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1493900 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | One of the most underutilized resources in education are the experiences of our top achievers. This qualitative case study highlights the educational journeys of 15 high school valedictorians from urban, suburban, and rural schools. Researchers uncovered the sources of motivation that drove valedictorians to relentlessly achieve excellence throughout their educational careers. The findings of this research revealed influences in the lives of valedictorians. These influences lead to the development of personal qualities. Those strong influences coupled with the development of personal qualities became paramount to overcoming adversities they faced. Those factors were explained and supported through three theoretical frameworks: Culturally responsive pedagogy, marginality and mattering, and habits of mind. Implications and recommendations for parents, PK-12 educators and school officials focused on building robust supports for students and teaching strong personal qualities for a healthy mindset. |
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| ISSN: | 2832-4250 |
