School climate in emerging career-oriented programs: students' perspectives

The increasing diversity in America's student population and the future work force poses enormous implications for preparing these individuals for productive employment in today's learning-intensive and technology-intensive work place. Findings of a national longitudinal study of students enrolled in both secondary and postsecondary career-oriented programs (e.g., programs featuring Tech Prep, integrated academic-vocational learning, career academies) are presented. Based on a modified grounded theory approach to research, interviewed students identified school climate as an important aspect of these programs characterized by four critical elements: a supportive environment, exposure and access to a variety of curriculum opportunities, a safe environment conducive to learning, and a culture of high expectations for students and teachers. Findings focus exclusively on the experiences and perspectives of students from a variety of backgrounds, who are enrolled in five high school programs representing different curriculum orientation (e.g., business, manufacturing, science and technology), location, and size.

The increasing diversity in America's student population and the future work force poses enormous implications for preparing these individuals for productive employment in today's learning-intensive and technology-intensive work place. Findings of a national longitudinal study of students enrolled in both secondary and postsecondary career-oriented programs (e.g., programs featuring Tech Prep, integrated academic-vocational learning, career academies) are presented. Based on a modified grounded theory approach to research, interviewed students identified school climate as an ...  [+] Show more