The Impact of Career & Technical Education Concentration on the Success of High School Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Career and Technical Education (CTE) concentration on academic and behavioral success among high school students. The research design involved a quantitative approach, analyzing data from 931 students in a single high school collected through convenience sampling. The students were categorized into two groups: CTE concentrators and non-concentrators, with concentrators being those who finished two or more courses in a single pathway. The findings revealed that students who have a concentration in a CTE pathway tend to have higher ACT scores, Kansas Assessment Program Science Exam (KAP Sci) scores, and final GPA. Moreover, CTE concentration showed a significant positive effect on classroom attendance. However, no significant impact was observed on overall behavioral outcomes as measured by the number of office referrals. Notably, students with a CTE concentration graduated at a higher rate than those who did not. The results indicate that enrolling in two or more CTE courses throughout high school may enhance student success. This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the influence of CTE concentration on student outcomes and the importance of the effect of CTE programs on academic achievement and graduation rates. These findings have implications for educators and school administrators seeking to enhance student success through involvement in CTE pathways. Future research should explore additional impacting factors such as socioeconomic status, program concentration subject, and student motivation.