Measures, Data, and Counterfactuals: Approaches to Improving Research in Career and Technical Education

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

A significant amount of research exists on career and technical education, but the vast majority of it is descriptive or correlational. Only recently is the field seeing a number of new experimental and quasi-experimental studies. While these recent developments are positive, many questions remain about approaches to measuring exposure to CTE and outcomes, since CTE programs vary widely. In addition, there is much room for improvement in the state longitudinal data systems that many researchers rely upon. This session presents three papers that address these topics and suggest avenues for more high-quality CTE research in the future.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Career and Technical Education

Chair

• Katherine Hughes, American Institutes for Research

Papers

• Improving Measurement in Career and Technical Education to Support Rigorous Research - Shaun Michael Dougherty, Vanderbilt University; Samuel J. Kamin, University of Connecticut; Steve Klein, Education Northwest

• Understanding the Counterfactual for Program Evaluation of Career and Technical Education - Rachel Rosen, University of Michigan; Stephen L. Ross, University of Connecticut; Eric J. Brunner, University of Connecticut

• Harnessing State Longitudinal Data Systems to Assess Career and Technical Education Outcomes - Steve Klein, Education Northwest; Jay Pfeiffer, Pfeiffer Pfarm Consulting

Discussant

• James J. Kemple, New York University