Individualized Learning Plans in Guiding Career-Technical Course-Taking and Achieving Post-High-School Employment Goals

Abstract

Most adolescents and young adults in the U.S. seek employment after high school regardless of their education or work status, yet career readiness and work preparation have not received equal attention as the college readiness and preparation at the secondary level. Using data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:2009), we explored possible connections between individualized learning plans (ILP) and both secondary Career-Technical Education (CTE) course taking and employment goal attainment in the U.S. Results showed that ILPs were positively associated with establishing employment goals, securing employment, and achieving employment goals after high school. Students who had employment goals were likely to earn more CTE credits and had higher probabilities of working after high school. However, ILPs did not moderate the relationship between employment goals and earned CTE credits, nor moderate the relationship between employment goals and work activities. Findings reflect an overlook of integrated college and career readiness preparation and underutilization of school-based career education resources.

Keywords: Individualized learning plan; career and technical education; employment; school-based career development; college and career readiness

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-16-04

Publication date:June 30^th 2023