
ERIC Number: ED661593
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Oct
Pages: 30
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Role of High School Career-Focused Advising in Students' Postsecondary Planning: A Qualitative Study
Bryan C. Hutchins; Emma Alterman; Cassie Wuest; John Sludden; Julie A. Edmunds
Grantee Submission
The goal of this study was to provide insights on the extent to which high school students receive support for college and career planning, the mechanisms through which they receive this information, and how this varies across students and settings using data from a multi-state, multi-study project focused on advising for postsecondary transitions. Conducted by a collaborative team from three organizations--MDRC, the Research Alliance for New York City Schools, and University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Early College Research Center--this study examines advising structures and practices across 17 high schools in North Carolina and New York City, representing diverse school types, including career and technical education (CTE)-focused schools as well as comprehensive schools offering CTE for elective credit. Findings indicate that advising practices were largely shaped by each school's academic focus and staff expectations. CTE-focused schools, for example, typically were dually focused on preparing students for postsecondary education and careers through CTE programs that included structured partnerships with colleges and employers. In contrast, comprehensive schools varied in their emphasis on college and career advising and the degree to which students were expected to participate in career exploration and preparation activities. Some comprehensive schools expected or encouraged higher levels of CTE participation, whereas others offered CTE without requiring students to participate or commit to a pathway. These schools also differed in how career advising was integrated into the overall approach to postsecondary planning, with some focusing primarily on college preparation and others helping students develop career knowledge and skills as part of a broader college and workforce readiness strategy. Additionally, the study highlights the important role that advisors and other school personnel, particularly CTE teachers, play in helping students link their interests with available school-supported preparation activities and underscores the benefits of personalized, proactive advising tailored to individual student needs. [This paper was created by the Early College Research Center, UNC Greensboro.]
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: MDRC; New York University, Research Alliance for New York City Schools
Identifiers - Location: North Carolina; New York (New York)
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305H190036