The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Appalachia conducted a descriptive study of attainment rates of CTE credentials, completion rates of CTE programs of study, and college enrollment rates for Standard diploma graduates from 2011 to 2017. This follows the years before and after the Virginia Board of Education added a CTE credential requirement to the Standard diploma for students who entered grade 9 for the first time in 2013 or later. These CTE credentials are intended to provide high school graduates with additional preparation for college and careers. 

For the period from 2011 to 2017, the study found that the attainment rates of CTE credentials increased for all groups of Standard diploma graduates but that college enrollment rates dropped. The findings suggest a need to examine workforce outcomes for Standard diploma graduates to fully understand whether this policy is meeting its intended goals. In addition, the findings suggest a need to consider other methods to address outcomes for Virginia’s Standard diploma graduates, such as support for implementing practices with rigorous evidence of effectiveness for improving college and career outcomes.