Dual Enrollment & Workplace Readiness Skills Effectiveness

Dual Enrollment & Workplace Readiness Skills Effectiveness Karen G. Carter, Ph.D. Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TN

1.2 million (8%) students 71% of U.S. high schools 50 state inclusion rate ? Effectiveness

The Problem … to determine the efficacy of dual enrollment as a credit-based transition program mechanism in helping rural, southwest Virginia career and technical students participate in postsecondary education as well as increase knowledge of workplace skill readiness.

Limitations Virginia dual enrollment guidelines Students currently enrolled in high school Grades 9 – 12 School year 2008-09 One rural, southwest Virginia service area Career & Technical Education approved courses

Population • 9th- 12 Grades • Career & Technical • Dual Enrolled • 73% return • (N = 221 n = 161)

Experimental, Principal Component Analysis 42 Question Survey Open- & Close-ended Questions 5- Point Likert

Assumptions • Simultaneous Credit • Course Location • Service Area of 3,500-4,000 students • VA Dual Enrollment Program Unknown • Program Variance

The Perfect Storm Builds…

Virginia’s 13 Workplace Skills

Research Goal 1 - Conclusion What are the demographics and characteristics of dual enrollment students within the four-county service area of rural, southwest Virginia?

72.7% = Seniors and Juniors • 27.3% = Sophomores & Freshmen • 49.1% = Average Student ~ GPA 3.0 – 3.49 • 44% = First-Generation College Students

RQ1 Early College Exposure Seamless Transition Average Student Inclusion Tech Prep Supported Decline of First -Generation

Research Goal 2 - Conclusion Does participation in the dual enrollment program encourage student participation into the postsecondary level of education?

RQ2 Workforce Skill Development Education/Skill Need Student Desire for College Participation

Does participation in a dual enrollment program provide development of workforce skill readiness? RQ3 Students overwhelmingly agreed…

Study Conclusions • 42.9% of the students received dual enrollment information from their teachers. • 92.5% were not currently enrolled in any regular dual enrollment course on a career and technical course. • 57.1% said teacher choice did not affect the decision to enroll. • 43.5% said time management was the greatest challenge. • 87.6% did not find the course’s difficulty level more challenging.

Study Conclusions (cont.) • Students enjoyed challenging, authentic-style learning environments where teachers treated them as adults • Strengthened colleges & high school connections within career and technical programs • A “planned” approach to career attainment through marketable skill development • Developed a highly skilled workforce pipeline

Inclusion of dual enrollment programs Support need & expansion of dual enrollment programs Support education/training Need for workplace readiness skills Study Use Recommendations

Recommendations for Future Studies • Develop a dual enrollment statewide agreement • Investigate student & faculty funding programs • Develop a counselor educational program

Conduct a follow-up study • Institute a state-wide comparison study • Replicate the study utilizing a larger sample size incorporating factors retained Recommendations for Future Studies

Where will our children’s future education/training take them? Where will our children’s future education and training take them?

Presented byKaren Carter Thankyou QuestionsorComments?

Dual Enrollment & Workplace Readiness Skills Effectiveness