The Influence of Career and Technical Education on the Graduation Rates of Lower-Income Students

• In Event: Student Success Outcomes in Career and Technical Education

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examined the extent to which the on-time (four-year) high school graduation rate of students who qualified for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and who became career and technical education (CTE) concentrators approximated those of more affluent, non-CTE concentrators. The study sample included 80,876 students in Nebraska whose four-year expected high school graduation year was between 2012/13 and 2016/17. Results indicated that the on-time high school graduation rate was significantly higher for CTE concentrators and significantly lower for students who qualified for the NSLP. Of particular importance, the on-time graduate rate of CTE concentrators who qualified for the NSLP significantly exceeded those of non-CTE concentrators, regardless of their economic background.

Authors

• Marc Brodersen, Human Resources Research Organization

• Jing Liu, Marzano Research

• Katie Graham, Nebraska Department of Education