Postsecondary Education Outcomes Research Articles

Later-Generation Mexican-American Undergraduate Stages of Passage and the Development of a Transformational Impetus

Race and immigrant generation are among the most important factors that shape educational opportunities and outcomes in U.S. society. While sociological researchers point to downward mobility after the second generation among Mexican-Americans, there is limited empirical attention to the role that generational status may play in shaping post-secondary educational experiences and outcomes. Drawing on the under-utilized Undergraduate States of Passage Model advanced by Yosso (2006), this study qualitatively examines the experiences of later-generation Mexican-American students. Findings indicate that later-generation Mexican-American college students experienced unique challenges to building counter spaces with other Latinos on campus. Yet, participants consistently described a desire to transform, which I call a “transformational impetus.” Implications for post-secondary persistence among Mexican-American collegians are discussed, as are implications for advancing racial justice for the Latina/o/x population more broadly.

The relationship between extended foster care and college outcomes for foster care alumni

ABSTRACTThe federal Fostering Connections law gives states the option to increase the foster care age limit from age 18 up to age 21. This law could potentially improve postsecondary education outcomes for youth in foster care. We analyze data collected from a longitudinal study of foster youth in three Midwestern states (n = 732). Linear probability models and instrumental variable models estimated the impact of years in care past age 18 on three outcomes: enrollment by age 21, persistence by age 21, and degree completion by age 29/30. Results indicated that each year in care past age 18 is expected to increase enrollment by about 9 to 11 percentage points. Significant associations were not found for persistence or degree completion.

Applying Behavioral Insights to Improve Postsecondary Education Outcomes: A Review of Obama Administration Efforts and Next Steps Under the Trump Administration

AbstractAmidst growing public concern in the United States over college access and affordability, federal policymakers have implemented many low‐cost, behaviorally‐informed strategies aimed at simplifying the college‐going process and reducing informational barriers. Our paper reviews recent U.S. federal policies and interventions that draw on insights from the behavioral sciences to help students navigate various stages of the college‐going process and summarizes empirical evidence of these efforts on college outcomes, highlighting variations across interventions and for various student populations. We conclude with up‐to‐date discussions of policy proposals and opportunities for behavioral science applications in postsecondary education.

Beliefs About Evolution and Educational Attainment

Using panel data from the National Study of Youth and Religion, we examine the effect of beliefs about evolution in high school on several postsecondary educational outcomes. Results indicate that net of a host of background factors and potential alternative explanatory factors, there are significant associations between beliefs about evolution and pursuing or obtaining a bachelor's degree, such that pure creationists (i.e., creationists who do not allow for the possibility that God used evolution to create the world) are less likely than naturalists to be on this trajectory. Further, when they do attend college, pure creationists and flexible creationists (i.e., creationists who allow for the possibility that God used evolution) both attend less selective colleges than naturalists, and pure creationists are less likely than naturalists to major in biology. These results suggest that evolution is a morally salient issue for many that influences their educational trajectories, highlighting the role that cultural schemas can play in shaping socioeconomic status.

Community Conversations and Transition Systems Change

Within the sphere of transition to integrated employment, systems change impacts all aspects of services and supports from broad-based policies addressing funding and contracting to performance management. Although the policymaking obligations of employment systems change rests with governmental agencies, the actual implementation of policies is dependent on those either delivering the services (e.g., such as teachers, transition specialists, service coordinators, and vocational rehabilitation counselors) or those experiencing services (e.g., individuals with disabilities and their families and businesses). The purpose of the Partnerships in Employment National Transition to Employment Systems Change Project was to address state policies and practices to improve transition to postsecondary education and employment outcomes for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Several states incorporated community conversations as a strategy to build consensus for systems change at the grassroots level. We provide an overview of this work and address the ways community conversations contributed to state policy and practice development. We also offer recommendations for how this approach can be used to inform and spur policy change.

Multi-informant assessment of transition-related skills and skill importance in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder have limited participation in the transition planning process, despite the link between active participation and an improvement in postsecondary education and employment outcomes. The Secondary School Success Checklist was designed to support transition planning for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder by incorporating their own assessments of strengths, skill deficits, and prioritization for instruction along with those of their parents and teachers across multiple skill domains. Findings from more than 500 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder across the United States indicate discrepancies between adolescent, teacher, and parent ratings of skills highlighting the importance of the inclusion of multiple perspectives in transition planning. Although ratings varied, agreement between adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, parents, and teachers across the highest and lowest rated skills suggests the need to broaden the focus on critical transition skills to include problem-solving, planning for life after high school, and self-advocacy.

A systematic review of interventions to improve post-secondary educational outcomes among foster care alumni

In their transition to adulthood, youth who have aged out of foster care struggle in a variety of areas. One area of concern is achieving success in post-secondary education. In response, universities and community colleges around the country offer support programs for these youth, in order to assist them in gaining a college education. The purpose of this study was to utilize a systematic review process to uncover the current status of what is known about campus support programs for foster care alumni in two areas—student views of their program experiences and outcomes of interventions to improve post-secondary educational success. We adapted the Participants, Interventions, Comparison groups, Outcomes, and Study designs (PICOS) model in conducting the systematic review. A search of six electronic databases and other gray literature sources yielded seven articles. Results revealed valuable insight from students regarding the ways in which program implementation was beneficial, and highlighted important strategies future programs should consider. Further, findings of outcome studies are favorable. However, additional outcome evaluations are needed in order to validate and confirm their impact.

Validating a Model of Motivational Factors Influencing Involvement for Parents of Transition-Age Youth With Disabilities

Parent involvement is a predictor of postsecondary education and employment outcomes, but rigorous measures of parent involvement for youth with disabilities are lacking. Hirano, Garbacz, Shanley, and Rowe adapted scales based on Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler model of parent involvement for use with parents of youth with disabilities aged 14 to 23. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Motivators of Parent Involvement (MPI) scales. A confirmatory factor analysis tested an 11-factor model, three parent involvement factors, and eight motivators of involvement factors for parents of transition-age youth (ages 14–25) with disabilities. Using a sample of 288 parents and caregivers, the model was determined to have acceptable fit. The MPI can be used to assess motivators of parent involvement and guide interventions.

Predicting Postsecondary Education and Employment Outcomes Using Results From the Transition Assessment and Goal Generator

We conducted an exploratory study to investigate the relation between nonacademic behavior constructs measured by the Transition Assessment and Goal Generator (TAGG) and postsecondary education and employment outcomes for 297 high school leavers who completed the TAGG during their high school years. Four of eight TAGG constructs predicted postsecondary educational outcomes: (a) Interacting With Others, (b) Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP), (c) Support Community, and (d) Goal Setting and Attainment. Four constructs predicted postsecondary employment outcomes: (a) Employment, (b) Student Involvement in the IEP, (c) Support Community, and (d) Interacting With Others. The addition of student grade point average (GPA) strengthened some of the models. The findings appear to add predictive validity evidence to support use of TAGG results to assist with transition planning.

Bank Branching Deregulation and High School Graduation

This paper utilizes variation in timing of deregulation to investigate the relationship between bank branching deregulation and educational outcomes for individuals in 39 states over the period 1977 - 1999. In order to investigate the labor market channel, this paper focuses on the relationship between deregulation and high school graduation, as opposed to recent studies focusing on the relationship between deregulation and college attendance via the credit market channel. Results indicate increases in the likelihood of graduating high school after deregulation. Results also suggest heterogeneity in effects due to race and age at deregulation. Finally, models testing the relationship between bank deregulation and post-secondary education outcomes generate similar results to findings from previous studies.

The Impact of Personal Factors on Self-Determination and Early Adulthood Outcome Constructs in Youth With Disabilities

Data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2) were used to examine the impact of three personal factors—race/ethnicity, gender, and family income—on self-determination (i.e., autonomy, psychological empowerment, self-realization) and early adulthood outcome constructs. Findings suggest for those with high-incidence disabilities, family income predicts postsecondary education outcomes. And males with high-incidence disabilities have greater access to services and accommodations as adults, but lower use of financial supports (i.e., use of government support programs). African American youth across disability categories reported lower levels of financial independence. Females with intellectual disability reported greater social relationships but lower levels of financial support and employment. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.

Postsecondary Student Persistence and Pathways: Evidence From the YITS-A in Canada

The Youth in Transition Survey is used to follow the postsecondary education (PSE) pathways and outcomes of Canadian youth over the mid 2000s. Students starting at community colleges and four year universities are analyzed separately. First program outcomes are reported, showing the proportions of students who leave their first programs but remain in PSE by switching/transferring to other programs, institutions, or levels. Multinomial regression estimates correlates of students’ first program switching and leaving decisions. Five year graduation rates are calculated to show the importance of different pathways (across programs, institutions, and levels) to earning a PSE credential; in the aggregate and for subgroups of students. Transfers constitute important but not terribly large pathways for Canadian students to adjust their PSE and obtain PSE credentials. We calculate the resulting extent to which institution specific measures of persistence, PSE leaving, and graduation rates misstate the rates experienced by students. Compared to American students, university and community college starters in Canada have higher persistence and graduation rates and lower transfer rates across institutions. For community college starters, much of the difference is due to the relative lack of well defined pathways from community colleges to universities in Canada. We find that students with more family resources are better able to transfer across programs or institutions in order to obtain a PSE credential.

Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Outcomes of Youth With Disabilities From a Midwestern State

Purpose: To examine the outcomes (rehabilitated vs. nonrehabilitated) of youth with disabilities (ages 14–22 years) participating in the transition program from a midwestern state.Method: Five years of vocational rehabilitation transition data (N = 6,252) were analyzed to determine what demographic and system-level factors were related to rehabilitated or nonrehabilitated outcomes.Results: Postsecondary and employment outcomes were predicted by race, gender, type of disability, office region, total number of services, and case expenditure. Hispanic youth had the highest percentage of rehabilitation; males faired significantly better than females and participants in small towns were significantly more likely to be rehabilitated than participants living in large urban areas.Conclusions: Based on the data findings, it was recommended that the vocational rehabilitation agency alters and updates its transition program. Strategies to help youth with disabilities achieve positive employment and postsecondary educational outcomes are discussed.

The academic consequences of marijuana use during college.

Although several studies have shown that marijuana use can adversely affect academic achievement among adolescents, less research has focused on its impact on postsecondary educational outcomes. This study utilized data from a large longitudinal cohort study of college students to test the direct and indirect effects of marijuana use on college grade point average (GPA) and time to graduation, with skipping class as a mediator of these outcomes. A structural equation model was evaluated taking into account a variety of baseline risk and protective factors (i.e., demographics, college engagement, psychological functioning, alcohol and other drug use) thought to contribute to college academic outcomes. The results showed a significant path from baseline marijuana use frequency to skipping more classes at baseline to lower first-semester GPA to longer time to graduation. Baseline measures of other drug use and alcohol quantity exhibited similar indirect effects on GPA and graduation time. Over time, the rate of change in marijuana use was negatively associated with rate of change in GPA, but did not account for any additional variance in graduation time. Percentage of classes skipped was negatively associated with GPA at baseline and over time. Thus, even accounting for demographics and other factors, marijuana use adversely affected college academic outcomes, both directly and indirectly through poorer class attendance. Results extend prior research by showing that marijuana use during college can be a barrier to academic achievement. Prevention and early intervention might be important components of a comprehensive strategy for promoting postsecondary academic achievement.

The Effects of the Kalamazoo Promise Scholarship on College Enrollment, Persistence, and Completion

We estimate the effects on postsecondary education outcomes of the Kalamazoo Promise, a generous place-based college scholarship. We identify Promise effects using difference-in-differences, comparing eligible to ineligible graduates before and after the Promise’s initiation. According to our estimates, the Promise significantly increases college enrollment, college credits attempted, and credential attainment. Stronger effects occur for minorities and women. Predicted lifetime earnings effects of the Promise’s credential gains, compared to the Promise’s scholarship costs, represent an internal rate of return of 11.3 percent. Based on our results, simple and generous scholarships can significantly increase educational attainment and provide net economic benefits.

Grades, Aspirations, and Postsecondary Education Outcomes

In this paper, we exploit a rich longitudinal data set to explore the forces that, during high school, shape the development of aspirations to attend university and achieve academic success. We then investigate how these aspirations, along with grades and other variables, impact educational outcomes such as going to university and graduating. It turns out that parental expectations and peer factors have direct and indirect effects on educational outcomes through their impact on both grades and aspirations. Policy measures that enlighten parents about the value of education may positively modify educational outcomes.

Is it worth it? Postsecondary education and labor market outcomes for the disadvantaged

Abstract In this paper we examine a range of postsecondary education and labor market outcomes, with a particular focus on minorities and/or disadvantaged workers. We use administrative data from the state of Florida, where postsecondary student records have been linked to UI earnings data and also to secondary education records. Our main findings can be summarized as follows: 1) Gaps in secondary school achievement can account for a large portion of the variation in postsecondary attainment and labor market outcomes between the disadvantaged and other students, but meaningful gaps also exist within achievement groups, and 2) Earnings of the disadvantaged are hurt by low completion rates in postsecondary programs, poor performance during college, and not choosing high-earning fields. In particular, significant labor market premia can be earned in a variety of more technical certificate and Associate (AA) programs, even for those with weak earlier academic performance, but instead many disadvantaged (and other) students choose general humanities programs at the AA (and even the BA level) with low completion rates and low compensation afterwards. A range of policies and practices might be used to improve student choices as well as their completion rates and earnings.

Postsecondary Education and Employment Outcomes of Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Canada

Postsecondary Education and Employment Outcomes of Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Canada

Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments and Their Use of Assistive Technology: Measuring the Proficiency of Teachers and Their Identification with a Community of Practice

Introduction This article presents an instrument that measures the assistive technology proficiency of teachers of students with visual impairments and their identification with a community of practice that values assistive technology. Teachers’ deficits in assistive technology proficiency negatively impact students who are visually impaired by stunting the development of assistive technology skills, ultimately resulting in poorer postsecondary education and employment outcomes. Identification with a community of practice that values assistive technology may be supportive of the technological proficiency of teachers of students with visual impairments. Method Assistive technology proficiency and community of practice identification dimensions were defined and outlined in rubric-like “construct maps.” A survey that was created to place teachers of students with visual impairments within each construct map was completed by 33 Californian teachers. Survey performance was evaluated by estimating Rasch models, which provided information on relative question difficulty and question performance. Results Estimated question difficulties revealed expected patterns. Only two survey questions performed irregularly (infit > 1.33). Internal reliability was good (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.80) for assistive technology proficiency, and acceptable (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.70) for community of practice identification. Discussion The findings suggest the survey reliably measured the assistive technology proficiency and identification with a community of practice that values technology in this sample of teachers. Utilization of this tool may enable the objective evaluation of assistive technology proficiency of teachers pre- and post-training. Implications for practitioners Creation of a reliable instrument that measures these constructs will support investigations in how one relates to the other, and will consider how professional development may be designed to better support the use of assistive technology by teachers.

Trajectories of marijuana use in youth ages 15-25: implications for postsecondary education experiences.

This study examined associations between longitudinal trajectories of marijuana use from adolescence to young adulthood and postsecondary education (PSE) experiences. Outcomes examined included the type of PSE undertaken, the timing of enrollment, and the likelihood of dropping out. Participants (N = 632; 332 females) were from the Victoria Healthy Youth Survey, a five-wave multicohort study of young people interviewed biennially between 2003 and 2011. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify distinct trajectories of the frequency of marijuana use from ages 15 to 25. Logistic regression analyses evaluated class membership as a predictor of the three PSE outcomes, with sex, maternal education, family structure, high school grades, and conduct problems controlled for. Three trajectory groups of marijuana use were identified: abstainers (31%), occasional users (44%), and frequent users (25%). Compared with abstainers, frequent users had the lowest high school grades and the most conduct problems and were least likely to enroll in PSE, especially in a university. Occasional users did not differ from abstainers on high school grades or conduct problems and were no less likely than abstainers to enroll in PSE. However, they delayed enrollment longer and were more likely to drop out of PSE. Frequent marijuana use from adolescence to young adulthood may close off opportunities for entering PSE, whereas occasional use may create delays in starting and finishing PSE among less at-risk young people. The mechanisms underlying associations between marijuana use and educational difficulties during emerging adulthood as well as adolescence need to be better understood.