ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews evidence on the role of career and technical education (CTE) in reducing dropouts. The value of CTE in the overall high school experience for American youth has long been debated. Research on the relationship between participation in CTE and dropping out of high school has yielded mixed results. Youth in urban areas and in the Southern United States drop out at a higher rate than other youth. The chapter analyzes the national data on youth and schools to examining the CTE-based practical techniques that engage students and minimize the chances of their leaving school before graduation. In addition to the research evidence supporting career pathways and work-based learning as important predictors in reducing dropouts, other studies have career guidance as an important factor as well. School-based enterprises are businesses that exist entirely within the school environment, although they may serve customers in the larger community.
