Dr. Cox is CTE Specialist at Volusia County Schools in Daytona, Florida. Dr. Hernandez is Associate Professor and Director of the Career and Workforce Education program at the University of South Florida. Dr. Fletcher, also at the University of South Florida, is Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Career and Technical Education.
The purpose of this study was to describe the demographics of students participating in career academies. The major question driving the study was: What are the participation trends in career academies over a recent six-year period (2007-2012) based on demographic variables including gender, race/ethnicity, and socio-economic status (SES)? The findings of this study indicated that more students are participating in career academies. The findings also suggested that there continues to be a gender gap across career academies and that within specific career academies based on Career Cluster™ some gaps remain considerable. In addition, the findings suggested there has been an increase in the participation rates among students of color, albeit these data do not yet correlate to population ratios of high school students across the school district. While there are pockets of diversity in corners of the district, the metropolitan statistical area is still heavily Caucasian. More to the point, Caucasian students continue to hold more seats across career academies compared to their peers. This concern warrants additional research.
For further information about the study or copies of the manuscript submitted for the presentation, you may contact Dr. Cox at ecox@volusia.k12.fl.us.
