Original Research

This study examined the effects of the Comprehensive Intervention Programs (CIP) on students’ preparedness for college by reviewing their reading and mathematics abilities. CIP provided a variety of activities and services intended to increase success in postsecondary education. Sixth grade students were tracked over a period of two years. The study did not find statistically significant program effects on CIP students’ standardized test scores in reading and math.

This study provides descriptive statistics about Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Tennessee high schools. The study used school-level data, including both regular and special education graduates in more than 300 schools. The report identified a discrepancy between the distribution of students across CTE education areas and the extent to which those areas correspond to high demand high wage occupations.

This report introduces additional National Center for Education Statistics survey data that compiles general descriptive information provided by ninth graders’ parents and school staff. The study sample included 21,000 ninth graders in 944 schools nationwide. Results for parent education greatly varied, as did their educational aspirations for their children, and around a quarter of parents planned to pay for their child’s education but had not yet saved.

This study examined the relationship between social networking and academic performance in high school and college enrollment trends among white and Hispanic youth. The analysis used longitudinal data from a representative sample of high school seniors in the state of Texas. Time spent on homework and social networking, especially interactions with high school counselors, predicted college enrollment of Hispanic female students. Grade point average and taking college preparation courses predicted college enrollment of white female students.

This article presents on the degree to which college-going indicators in urban high schools are associated with low-income students applying to, enrolling in and attending four-year colleges. Findings indicate that students that are provided substantial guidance through the college application process, attend schools with patterns of and high expectations for college attendance and have high participation in financial aid applications are more likely to apply to, enroll in, and attend four-year colleges that match their qualifications.

This study uses a national sample of students in sixth and ninth grade to determine how students perceive the utility of schooling for career development. Students demonstrated little awareness of the relationship between work and school, skills and knowledge required of them and learning opportunities at their disposal. In addition, students found extracurricular activities to be more important to their future careers than academic activities.

This study of high school students examines the gender differences in college-ready performance in reading, math and both subjects, and on the American College Test (ACT) and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). Less than one-third of all students were said to be college-ready in both math and reading, and statistically significant differences were revealed in the subject areas and SAT average scores.

This longitudinal study uses a nationally representative sample of high school sophomores to explore if first-generation Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students suffer from inequalities in college access. The analysis revealed that first-generation AAPI students face inequalities in terms of college access, which results in lower educational expectations, lower probability of educational expectations, decreased probability of taking college entrance exams, and applying to and attending higher education institutions.

This study examined the effects of information about government support programs for college financial aid. H&R Block provided assistance with completing the federal application for financial aid (FAFSA) and information on eligibility for government aid and local postsecondary options to a randomly selected sample of low to moderate income families. Another randomly selected sample received only personalized aid eligibility information and no assistance with the FAFSA.

This evaluation of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) showed statistically significant differences between AVID and comparison students on measures of enrollment in eighth grade algebra, language arts grades, school absences, and college attendance, favoring AVID students.