ERIC Number: ED236335
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Aug-31
Pages: 100
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Making Vocational Choices: A Study of Vocational Program Attrition in New Hampshire.
Herr, Gregory
This study was conducted to explore the economic and programmatic implications of school-year program attrition in secondary vocational programs in New Hampshire. The study included students who switched to other vocational programs as well as those who switched to a general academic or a college preparatory curriculum. Interviews were conducted, then 285 questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of program leavers in July 1983. The study concluded that motivations to enter and leave a vocational program are both multidimensional. The primary reasons for program attrition were decisions about career directions, new vocational choices, and related personal decisions. Although demographic factors were relevant, no evidence suggested that program attrition was caused by weak programs or poor teaching, nor that program leavers were poorly motivated to learn. The study recommended that greater emphasis should be put on the role of guidance and counseling prior to program enrollment. (KC)
Descriptors: Academic Persistence, Dropout Attitudes, Dropout Characteristics, Dropout Prevention, Dropout Research, Dropouts, Enrollment Influences, School Holding Power, Secondary Education, Student Attitudes, Student Attrition, Student Characteristics, Student Motivation, Vocational Education, Withdrawal (Education)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: New Hampshire State Dept. of Education, Concord. Vocational-Technical Education Div.
Authoring Institution: Applied Research Consulting, Inc., North Hampton, NH.
Identifiers - Location: New Hampshire
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A