The Relationship Between Career Technology Education and High School Graduation

This study examined the relationship between programs in Career Technology and Agriculture Education (CTAE) utilized by a school district in northern Georgia and the relative effect the programs had on high school graduation. Career technology and agriculture education (CTAE) programs engage students and prepare them for college or career readiness upon graduation from high school. Extended learning activities are found in CTAE co-curricular clubs, academic tutoring, job site experiences, and dual enrollment opportunities. This quantitative, causal comparative research study used inferential and descriptive analyses to determine possible relationships between graduation status and CTAE program variables. The study involved 730 participants who entered grade 9 in the fall of 2006 and who either graduated or dropped out from high school by May, 2010. The analysis indicated that participation in student organizations and work based learning experiences had the most significant results for students staying in school and graduating