The issue of unfinished learning and achievement gaps in schools has been a persistent concern in recent years, particularly among underrepresented and disadvantaged student populations. AVID Elementary is a promising solution for ensuring students have the necessary knowledge and skills to be college and career ready, as it is based on proven…

Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine the degree of relationship between school protective factors, student internal assets, and College and Career Readiness Indicator outcomes. The population for this study included comprehensive, public high schools across California, including only schools that…

Postsecondary education and career training is increasingly important, with growing polarization of the labor market and forecasts for increasingly skilled workers to meet the needs of the US economy, particularly in California. Additionally, gaps between various student groups in educational access and attainment continue to persist despite…

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of district administrators in allocating resources and developing effective Career Technical Education programs (CTE). This study also sought to analyze the resources allocated by districts to support the implementation of CTE programs to improve college- and career-readiness. More specifically,…

Purpose: The purpose of this causal-comparative research study was to examine the impact of an Integrated Business Curriculum Program (IBCP) and its effects on career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE). It also provides a framework and common vocabulary for which type of business curriculum provides the best career readiness CDMSE advantage.…

The purpose of this qualitative explanatory bounded single case study was to seek to understand how the use of curriculum that is influenced by experiential learning theory and based in scenario-based learning as an instructional methodology in a law enforcement academy influences the self-efficacy and job readiness of peace officers with less…

Linked Learning is an approach that has proven effective in transforming the learning experiences for high school students. An instrumental case study was conducted in a large urban district in Southern California where district and school leaders implemented Linked Learning as a systemic high school reform initiative. Analysis of the data…

California is in the midst of significant educational reform initiatives, especially at the secondary level. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were adopted in 2010, and these new standards contain significant changes in the areas of math, English, and literacy across all subjects. Many districts are also implementing new initiatives to engage…

Students with disabilities have diverse needs that can be difficult for schools to meet. One promising approach that addresses this issue is Linked Learning, a high school reform initiative aimed at simultaneously preparing all students for college and career (ConnectEd, n.d.). Although research has shown that participation in Linked Learning is…

This dissertation closely examines the experience of foster youth attending California community colleges and how campuses are responding to their educational needs. Foster youth have the least successful educational outcomes of any population of young Americans. They also represent one of the most vulnerable and academically at-risk populations…