| Summary: | <p> All students should leave high school equipped with the academic and technical skills necessary to pursue higher education and/or a career. In a changing world, this now means that workforce readiness now demands the same high level of knowledge and skills needed for those who plan to pursue a post-secondary education. While Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a critical role in accomplishing this goal, it is not always included in the college and career ready conversation. The purpose of this study was to determine what educational outcomes influence student placement in college, career, or both at 12 and 24 months after graduation and what can be learned by examining patterns of those outcomes that will advance current knowledge relative to placement in college or career.</p><p> The research study used ex post facto data in a quantitative non-experimental correlational research design to retrospectively examine placement at 12 and 24 months after high school graduation to determine which educational variables (independent variables) most significantly influenced placement (dependent) in college and career or both. The sample included 6,145 graduates from a Maryland school system. Data analysis included Chi-Square with Cramer’s V and Chi-Square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID).</p><p> The key finding indicated that participation in Advanced Placement (AP) college level courses while in high school, was the most significant predictor of placement at 12 and 24 months after graduation indicating that continued exposure to college level courses throughout a student’s high school experience can overcome performance on standardized tests intended to determine college and career readiness. The study also confirmed that a significant number of students who selected traditional career pathways also pursued college. This speaks to the importance of preparation for both college and career no matter what industry the student intends to pursue.</p>
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