The Academic Self-Efficacy of Urban Youth

Abstract

To inform effective school-to-work programs, this study evaluates the effect of a school-based psychoeducational intervention on the academic self-efficacy of urban youth enrolled in the ninth grade. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected using a quantitative measure of academic self-efficacy and eight semistructured interviews over the course of an academic school semester. As hypothesized, t tests did not reveal a statistical difference in academic self-efficacy between preintervention (Time 1) and postintervention (Time 2). A consensual qualitative analysis of the interviews, however, indicated enhanced developmental specificity concerning use of academic skills and articulation of goals between Time 1 and Time 2. Limitations of the study and future directions for research are discussed.