Jobs that pay livable wages increasingly call for people to have education beyond a high school diploma.1 While increasing postsecondary education levels help students and society, most scholars agree that not all students need to be steered into 4-year degree programs.2 Industry certifications could give students credentials to help them get jobs.3
Florida is a national leader in promoting industry certifications for high school students. With the passage of its Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Act in 2007, Florida embarked on a novel, ambitious program to promote industry certifications statewide. Since its implementation the number of certifications earned by Florida high school students has grown exponentially.4 Understanding how this policy works and benefits students can help policymakers and educators in Florida and nationally.
The U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences (IES) has sponsored “The role of industry-recognized credentials in high school completion and postsecondary enrollment in Florida” (Florida Industry Certification Study) to examine the implementation and outcomes of the CAPE Act. The study seeks to answer two key questions: 1) which high school practices are associated with a higher likelihood of passing certification exams; and 2) is obtaining a certification associated with secondary and postsecondary academic success?
The results of this study will be shared at professional conferences, in peer reviewed publications, and through issue briefs posted on this website.
References
1 Baum, S., Ma, J., Payea, K. (2013). Education pays 2013: The benefits of higher education for individuals and society. College Board. Retrieved from http://www.rilin.state.ri.us
2 Perna, L. (2013). Preparing today's students for tomorrow's jobs in metropolitan America. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Sparks, Erin & Mary Jo Waits. (2011). Degrees for what jobs: Raising expectations for universities and colleges in a global economy. National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices. Retreived from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED517709.pdf.
3 National Center for Education Statistics. (2016). State education reforms, Table 5.12. Washington, DC: Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. Retreived from http://nces.ed.gov/programs/statereform/tab5_12.asp.
4 Goodman, T. G., Meyer, M., & Imperatore, C. (2014). Incorporating industry recognized certification. Techniques, September 14–19. Retrieved from http://www.acteonline.org