Recent educational approaches that have career and technical education (CTE) components have integrated work-based learning (WBL) with traditional academics. Among positive effects of the association between WBL and secondary students' educational outcomes are: (1) increased attendance, (2) decreased dropout rates, (3) increased number of academic courses; and (4) higher grade point averages. The longer-term effect in students' postsecondary experiences has been too little investigated. Additional positive effects of WBL are seen in students' attitudes toward such programs and in some employment statistics. Researchers are cautious about isolating the effects of WBL, but acknowledge that it may play a crucial indirect role in improving outcomes for at-risk students. (Contains 17 references.) (AJ)