Programs of Study: A Cross-Study Examination of Programs in Three States

Abstract

The National Research Center on Career and Technical Education has supported four studies on one of the major components of Perkins legislation: programs of study. In this article, we present qualitative data linking the research center's longitudinal projects based on programs of study, via a one-time cross-case study of sites deemed highly promising by the authors of the previous studies. These analyses included an effort to subject these sites to examination of 10 elements recently deemed by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Vocational and Adult Education to be important to the success of programs of study. Additional cross-cutting themes observed across the three sites are also examined—including engagement, cross-program learning, career-relevant certifications, seamless pathways, enhanced respect for and valuing of career and technical education, and the importance identifying, developing, and retaining high-quality teachers.