Completing the Secondary Portion of a Program of Study: Implications for High School Achievement

• In Event: 46.052 - Career and Technical Education Research

Abstract

We examined the relationship between completing a career and technical education (CTE) program of study (POS) and high school achievement in three districts. POS span secondary and postsecondary education, blending academic and CTE content. Using ordinary least squares regression models, we examined whether POS completion is associated with academic achievement. Different district contexts yielded slightly different outcomes but reflect the effectiveness of POS in preparing students for college and career. In one district, POS completers earned higher GPAs and took more advanced academic courses; in another, POS completers earned more Advanced Placement credits. Results for the third district favored the comparison group, reflecting baseline differences. Future work must include postsecondary and workplace outcomes to fully understand the impact of POS.

Authors

• Marisa E. Castellano, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Laura Overman, University of Louisville

• Kirsten Ewart Sundell, Southern Regional Education Board

• George Richardson, University of Cincinnati

• James R. Stone, Southern Regional Education Board