Original Research

This study examines the effect of career and technical education (CTE) transition programs on secondary student matriculation to postsecondary education. The study has 2 components 1) comparing secondary CTE and non-CTE students on academic experiences, achievement and transition to college and 2) exploring the effect of CTE programs on postsecondary students’ transition experiences and outcomes. Results revealed that participation in CTE programs were linked to outcomes such as: increased academic achievement, enrollment in dual-credit courses and college readiness.

This study evaluates Talent Development, a school reform model that seeks to raise expectations of teachers and students and prepare students for postsecondary education and employment. The researchers followed 20 cohorts of ninth-grade students from five high schools for four years . Results showed that Talent Development had a positive impact on academic course credits earned, attendance and promotion rates during students’ first year of high school.

This study assesses the effectiveness of bridge programs, which aim to provide interventions for high schools students to successfully transition into college. Results showed that effective bridge programs have strong relationships with their partner school district, have orientations and closing ceremonies, involve parents, implement formative and summative evaluations, and provide transportation, academic advising, professional development opportunities, and support services and labs to support instruction.

This study analyzes the impact of prior mathematics achievement on the relationship between high school mathematics curriculum and student’s postsecondary mathematics performance. The analysis used mathematics course-taking and achievement data from eight college semesters for 1,588 students. Findings revealed that students were equally prepared for intense college mathematics coursework, regardless of the high school mathematics curriculum they completed.

This article presents a four-year case study on the impact that an urban college preparatory charter high school had on the postsecondary outcomes of its graduates. Through analysis of staff and teacher interviews, the impact that logistical constraints and staff turnover had on the implementation of the school’s mission to prepare educationally and socially disadvantaged students for college was revealed.

This 4-year longitudinal study evaluates the experiences of high school graduates enrolled in tech prep programs in eight regions across the nation. The study reports on their demographics, college readiness risk indicators, vocational interests, and performance as a function of graduation requirements at their high schools. The researchers reported no differences between participants and non-participants of tech prep programs with regard to college enrollment rates and percentage of students completing a degree or certificate.

This study assesses how the High Schools that Work initiative prepares students for college and careers. The report also presents strategies that district and school leaders can use to help students become more prepared for transitioning from high school to college and careers.

This study evaluates a sample of test questions used by institutions for placement into entry-level, credit-bearing courses in English and mathematics. The report summarizes the nature of the tests currently in use, discusses what states and institutes of higher education can do to adequately measure college readiness and align their tests with the state high school standards.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Sponsor-a-Scholar, a program for at-risk high school students which offers a mentor, academic assistance, college counseling and other services through their first year of college. High school academic performance, participation in college preparation activities, students’ self esteem and college enrollment and retention were analyzed.