Implementing a Statewide Mandated Career Pathways/Programs of Study School Reform Model: Select Findings from a Multisite Case Study
A Longitudinal Study of the South Carolina Personal Pathways to
Success Initiative (see Hammond, Drew, et al. 2011) follows the
implementation of a statewide mandated career-focused school
reform policy in one U.S. state. The research focuses on eight
diverse high schools in the state, personnel at those schools,
and approximately 6,200 students across three cohorts, with
varying amounts of exposure to the policy. In the longitudinal
study, we investigate whether the number of highly developed
career-focused programs of study available to students increases
under the policy and whether targeted student and school outcomes
are affected. Findings are presented here as related to overall
policy implementation, differences in student experiences,
changes in the roles of guidance, and changing attitudes toward
career and technical education.
Withington, C., Hammond, C., Mobley, C., Stipanovic, N., Sharp,
J. L., Stringfield, S., & Drew, S. (2012). Implementing a
statewide mandated career pathways/programs of study school
reform model: Select findings from a multisite case
study. International Journal of
Educational Reform, 21, 138-158.