EXAMINING THE EFFECT OF IMPLEMENTING A CAREER ACADEMY WITHIN AN UNDER-PERFORMING HIGH SCHOOL

Abstract

Career academies provide high school students with an opportunity to complete high school coursework while deeply exploring a potential career field concentration. Such academy models aim to improve high graduation rates and college and career readiness of students. However, the implementation of a career academy program can be challenging and may not always lead to the results intended. This action research study explores the effect of implementing a career academy in a large, underperforming traditional high school. Perceptions of career academy teachers as they participate in the implementation are explored. Additionally, student outcome measures in the form of achievement test scores and conduct reporting serve as indicators of the effect of implementation. The Four Keys to College and Career Readiness Model by David Conley served to guide the career academy implementation process.