Thesis
Work-based learning in Vancouver public schools: Equitable access and relationship with academic success
Washington State University
Master of Public Affairs (MPA), Washington State University
05/2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004271
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/124884
Abstract
The financial support of work-based learning (WBL) is increasing through policy implementation of federal and state funds to support high school students in gaining professional experience while meeting the needs of local businesses. Previous research focuses on high schools located in states that did not have supportive WBL policies in place at the time of the research or research was conducted in rural areas. This research confirms earlier findings of WBL having a positive impact on a student's academic success, specifically on-time graduation rates; however, this research differs from previous studies by occurring in a large school district located in a suburban setting and in a state (Washington) with political/financial support of WBL programs. While published best practices recognize the importance of analyzing access for all students to WBL programs, at the time this research was conducted, there was a lack of research analyzing whether or not WBL programs are equitably accessed by students in traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. In Vancouver Public Schools, the district which participated in the study, WBL is accessed equitably by females, students who qualify for low-income services, students with documented disabilities, English language learners, and students of color. However, students attending different schools within the district had significantly different participation rates in WBL. Inferential and descriptive statistics were performed.
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Details
- Title
- Work-based learning in Vancouver public schools
- Creators
- Natalie Brusseau Powell
- Contributors
- Mark Stephan (Advisor) - Washington State University, Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, School of
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Public Affairs (MPA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900896414201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis