Is It College and Career Readiness, or Is It College Readiness and Career Readiness?

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Division D Poster Session

Abstract

This study investigated whether college readiness and career readiness should be treated as a unified concept by estimating the high school achievement level, as measured by the ACT assessment, predictive of earning good grades in career and technical education (CTE) programs at two-year institutions. Overall, results indicated that this level of achievement was similar for CTE students, students in academic fields of study, and the general college-going population. This finding supports the notion that all high school students should graduate with the strong academic foundation needed for success in any postsecondary pathway. Additional analyses indicated that certain skills may be relatively important for success in particular CTE majors and courses and that CTE students earn higher grades in CTE courses.

Authors

• Jeffrey T. Steedle, ACT, Inc.

• Justine Radunzel, ACT, Inc.

• Krista D. Mattern, ACT, Inc.