Empowering Rural Education: A Mixed Methods Case Study of a Career Pathways Program (Poster 40)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 4:20 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Division H - Research, Evaluation, and Assessment in Schools Section 2 - Program Evaluation Posters

Abstract

The disparity in achievement of core career ready competencies by rural high school graduates continues to contribute to an ever-widening workforce skills gap. This mixed-methods multiple case study examined the impact of Career Pathways, a career ready framework and supports, on rural Minnesota high schools using national performance measures in design and implementation of career programs. Methods included survey (n=62), semi-structured interviews (n=19), and documentation review. Using distributed leadership theory and EPIS framework as research lenses revealed the impact of Career Pathways is interrelated across three contexts: ideological, organizational, and operational. This program evaluation may contribute to closing the workforce skills gap in historically low socio-economic areas as implications and recommendations are for educational constituents in rural communities and beyond.

Author

• Maggie Velasco, Sourcewell