Journal of Academic Development and Education JADE Issue 10 | Page 36

36 | JADE
ARTICLE #2 | 37
THE IMPACT OF A CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ON
THE GRADUATION RATES AND COLLEGE ENROLLMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
RONA WALKER & AAREK FARMER
For the 2014-2015 sample, 641 (44.1%) were CTE concentrators
and 815 (56.0%) were CTE non-concentrators. Graduation rates
were determined by whether or not students obtained a high
school diploma. College enrollment, was determined by whether
or not students attended either a 2- or 4-year college after high
school graduation. A number of one-way ANOVAs were utilized to
analyze the data. The type of student (CTE concentrators or non-
concentrator served as the independent variable while graduate rate
and college enrollment served the dependent variables). The study
was conducted after permission was granted to obtain existing,
secondary data from high school CTE students. All analyses were
conducted using SPSS.
[F (1, 1464) = 378.109, p < .001]. CTE concentrators (M = 1.663)
were significantly more likely to enroll in college than CTE non-
concentrators (M = 1.991).
df
p
14.694 .000
35.291 .000
1.071
991 1.139
1470 1.117
641 1.055
Total
2014–2015
CTE Concentrators Graduation Rate 1
CTE Non-Concentrators Graduation Rate 1
Total
814 1.151
1455 1.109
Table 1: Oneway ANOVA Results for Graduation Rates by CTE Concentrators
and Non-concentrators
For students from the 2013–2014 school year, results indicated
that CTE concentrators (M = 1.604) were significantly more likely
to enroll in college than were non-concentrators (M = 1.993), [F(1,
1492) = 598.694, p< .001]. For students from the 2014–2015 school
year, results indicated a significant difference between the groups
378.109 .000
1.604
CTE Non-Concentrators Enrollment 1 1004 1.993
1494 1.865
CTE Concentrators Enrollment 1 644 1.663
CTE Non-Concentrators Enrollment 1 822 1.991
1466 1.847
Discussion
F 479 .000
490
Table 2: Oneway ANOVA Results for College Enrollment by CTE
Concentrators and Non-concentrators
M 1 598.694 1
Total
n 1 p
2014–2015
2013–2014
CTE Non-Concentrators Graduation Rate F CTE Concentrators Enrollment
Total
For students from the 2013–2014 school year, a one-way ANOVA
determined that concentrators (Mean [M] = 1.071) were significantly
more likely to graduate than non-concentrators (M = 1.139). Results
indicated a significant difference in graduation rates between
concentrators and non-concentrators [F(1, 1,1468) = 14.694, p<.001].
For students from the 2014–2015 school year, a one-way ANOVA also
determined that CTE concentrators (M = 1.055) were significantly
more likely to graduate than were CTE non-concentrators (M = 1.151).
Results indicated a significant difference in graduation rates between
concentrators and non-concentrators [F(1, 1453) = 35.291, p < .001.
CTE Concentrators Graduation Rate M
2013–2014
Results
df
n
Career and Technical Education (CTE) may be the strategy needed
for graduating more students. It is believed that practical learning
will keep student interest for those who may otherwise be turned off
by academic-filled class schedules. Career and Technical Education
concentrators (students who have taken three or more CTE courses)
are more likely to graduate from high school than their peers on
average. CTE is eliminating vocational education that consisted of
low-level courses, job training, and single electives and replacing it
with academic rigor, integrated, and sequenced programs of study
that align with and lead to postsecondary education (Brand, Valent,
& Browning, 2013). Further, these programs provide students with
opportunities such as critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving,
innovation, teamwork, and communication education (Brand,
Valent, & Browning, 2013). By providing non-duplicative progression
of courses that align secondary education with postsecondary
education to adequately prepare students to succeed in college,
secondary students can participate in dual enrollment programs
to acquire college credits; and lead to an industry-recognized
credential or certificate at the postsecondary level, or an associate or
baccalaureate degree (Stipanovic, Lewis, & Stringfield, 2012). Petrilli,
and Shaw (2016) suggested that CTE students were just as likely to
pursue a four-year degree when compared to their non-CTE peers.
CTE concentrators are more likely to graduate high school by 18%
to 21%.