Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Burson, Debra

Committee Member

Smith, Kaleb

Committee Member

Bondurant, Liza

Committee Member

Lowery, Jennifer

Date of Degree

8-12-2026

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Doctoral Capstone - Open Access

Major

Education (Educational Policy & Organizational Design)

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College

College of Education

Department

Division of Education

Abstract

Students with advanced mathematical readiness in rural high schools face difficulties reaching their fullest potential due to significant opportunity gaps. The limited availability of advanced coursework and a scarcity of STEM opportunities often lead to disengagement and behavioral challenges. This project examines the challenges faced by rural students with advanced mathematical readiness and designs a curriculum framework to expand access, support growth, and sustain engagement. Renzulli’s (1977) Enrichment Triad Model serves as the foundation for a curriculum plan intended to transition students from passive learners to independent mathematical investigators. Three research questions are addressed in this study: (1) Which barriers to accelerated mathematics access exist for rural students with advanced mathematical readiness, and how are these evidenced in Mississippi’s high schools? (2) What evidence-based strategies to increase opportunities for these students are supported by the research? (3) How can these strategies be assembled into a Mississippi-aligned design framework that is feasible for small rural faculties, and what minimal adoption and monitoring indicators should districts track post-adoption? Desk-based research is used to examine existing literature and curriculum models. A course sequence, example unit templates with Type I/II/III activities from Renzulli’s Enrichment Triad Model and teacher notes, teacher professional development outline, and an implementation monitoring checklist are included in this project to offer teachers and administrators structured, research-based support. This project aims to expand educational opportunities for rural students with advanced mathematical readiness by presenting explicit examples of course units and a detailed description of students’ self-directed studies.

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