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MODERNITY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE A Study of Students in a Puerto Rican High School
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INEKE CUNNINGHAM
Dr. Ineke Cunningham's own words stake out the boundaries of concern in her sociological study of students in Puerto Rican high school: «Puerto Rico is a society which has been modernizing at a relative rapid rate. The further growth toward modernization on the Island depends upon the qualities of its students, among other factors. Our study, while concerning itself with modernization in Puerto Rico, will focus on student academic achievement and performánce, for the student is the future participant of thé society, and his performance.is an indicator of the future potential of that society». Since modernity and academic performance are highly theoretical concepts, a major part of the study is taken up with presenting the theoretical basis for these variables. Chapter. 2 is concerned with the definition and measurement of modernity; chapter 3 with the definition and measurement of academic performance, and chapter 4 with the Puerto Rican situation —the setting of Dr. Cunningham's research. Chapters five to nine are devoted to methodology used, data analysis and conclusions. Dr. Cunningham's book testifies to the richness and promise of mathematical methods that can be brought to bear on social science problems. Published under the auspices of Social Science Research Center of the University of Puerto Rico. Jacket design by Rafael Rivera Rosa.