Classical Christian Education and Racial Representation: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT

CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND RACIAL

REPRESENTATION: A MIXED METHOD STUDY

Miranda Renea Webster, Ed.D.

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2019

Chair: Dr. Jeffrey Michael Horner

This explanatory sequential mixed method study examined the extent and state of racial diversity and racial representation among select Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) schools. The following study asked four research questions: (1) To what extent, are the student bodies of ACCS schools racially diverse in comparison to their local demographics, determined by zip code? (2) What diversity emphases are represented on school websites? (3) What is the relationship, if any, between the content of the school’s website and the racial diversity of the student population? (4) What practices contribute to racial diversity in classical Christian schools?

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the research problem with definitions of classical Christian education and racial diversity. Chapter 2 outlines the background on racial diversity, historical overview of race and education within the United States, institutional approaches to racial diversity, the status of racial diversity and private schools within the United States, and the need for this study. Chapter 3 introduces, explains, and outlines the research methodology of this explanatory mixed method study. Chapter 4 is an analysis of findings for the quantitative data, qualitative data, and the responses from the interviews and questionnaires. Chapter 5 concludes with the research implications, applications, and limitations of this study. This research fills the void on understanding the state and extent of racial diversity among select ACCS schools.

Key Words: Classical Christian Education, Race, Racism, Racial Diversity