NCJ Number
124831
Date Published
1987
Length
62 pages
Annotation
The four Philadelphia High School Academies, established in 1969, each have a vocational focus (automotive and mechanical science, electrical science, business, and health care); serve low-achieving students; combine a standardized academic curriculum with vocationally relevant examples and experience; and supplement classroom work with afterschool and summer work experience. Business involvement in the Academies includes funding and personnel support, work-study opportunities, classroom visits, curriculum advice, and special programs for students.
Abstract
A two-part quantitative study of Academy students assessed the success of the Academy model in dropout prevention and improved student preparation for employment. The findings indicate that three-quarters of the entering cohort of the Business Academy graduated, compared to 67 percent in the total school district. This is a high completion rate, as most of the Academy students were believed to be lower-achieving students. The second analysis concentrated on the employment and educational activities of Academy graduates; the results suggest that Academy graduates do as well or better than graduates from other business education graduates and graduates from other curricula. Business Academy graduates are more likely to be employed 18 months after graduation, appear to have greater access to corporate sponsors as employees, and use a wider variety of search activities when seeking new employment. The Academies appear to incorporate features into their structure and operation that are effective in keeping at-risk youth in school; these include a small size, personal attention, an integrated curriculum that stresses vocational training, and strong motivational factors. The primary weakness of the Academies is the variability in implementation observed between the schools which can negatively impact recruitment and placement efforts, as well as actual operation. 8 tables, 1 appendix.