The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black Student Success in Career and Technical Education Dual-Credit Programs

• In Event: Factors Impacting Career and Technical Education Outcomes

Abstract

This quantitative study matched and analyzed transcript data from more than 200 Black students enrolled in CTE-oriented dual credits programs in an urban public school district in a Southern state of the U.S. We conducted regression analyses to examine potential predictors of student learning outcomes, including potential influences of COVID-19. Findings showed that Black students in post-COVID cohorts had significantly lower CTE GPAs but significantly higher probabilities of obtaining an industry-based certificate, as compared to those in the pre-COVID cohort. The prediction of pre-or post-COVID cohorts did not differ across gender and social-economic status subgroups. Other significant predictors of learning outcomes included individuals’ GPAs at their home high school, school-level average free/reduced lunch rates, and CTE programs.

Authors

• Yu April Chen, Louisiana State University

• Kimberly Rogers Davis, Pennsylvania State University

• Summer Dann, East Baton Rouge School District

• Chadwick Aucoin, East Baton Rouge School District