Positive Impact of Early College High Schools: Exploring the Mediating Role of High School Experience

• In Event: 34.053 - Investigating the Outcomes of Dual Enrollment Programs

Abstract

This study explores the role of students’ high school experiences in accounting for the impacts of Early College High Schools (ECs). In particular, we focus on four aspects of students’ high school experiences that may distinguish ECs and traditional high schools: opportunity to earn college credits during high school, exposure to a rigorous academic curriculum, exposure to a college-going culture, and supports to ensure that all students are adequately prepared to obtain a college degree. Results of mediation analyses suggest that high school experiences did not significantly mediate the EC impact on college enrollment outcomes, but earning college credit during high school significantly mediated EC impacts on degree attainment outcomes 6 years after expected high school graduation.

Authors

• Kristina Lillian Zeiser, American Institutes for Research

• Mengli Song, American Institutes for Research