Improving Graduation Outcomes: A Quasi-Experimental Study

• In Event: Roundtable Session 57
  In Roundtable Session: Evaluation of Programs to Enhance College and Career Readiness

Abstract

A quasi-experimental study of a statewide college readiness initiative in Hawai’i that encourages students to take more rigorous coursework in high school and work towards earning a high school diploma was conducted. The initiative was designed and implemented through the Gaining Early Awareness Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP). While randomized controlled trials still remain the “gold standard” for identifying the causal impact of educational programs on student outcomes, the option to conduct them is often very slim. Propensity score weighting was used to analyze a rich longitudinal statewide data. Propensity score weighting, combined with covariate adjustment in the outcome analysis, was effective in removing overt selection bias. Overall, the study suggests the program could improve a participant’s likelihood of graduation by twofold.

Author

• Malkeet Singh, Education Northwest