Postsecondary High School Returners’ college success: A case study of college success and degree attainment.
Open AccessThis study examined the impact of alternate second chance education pathway programs on college access and degree attainment among postsecondary high school returners (PHSRs). The literature acknowledges that the GED is a test preparatory program that does not prepare high school returners for the rigors of college. Current alternate second chance education pathway programs are designed to take into account this missing component of the GED Test and address PHSRs lack of college preparedness and readiness through multiple mechanisms. However, there is a gap in the literature on how current alternate second chance education pathway programs support students who have fallen off track or disengaged from high school. This case study addressed the gap in the literature by examining one of the nation’s alternative second chance education pathway programs - the College Pathway Program (CPP). The study focused specifically on identifying program mechanisms that support PHSRs’ academic success and degree attainment. The study examined PHSRs who utilized alternate pathway programs to successfully navigate their way to and through college. Program graduates (PG) and program administrators (PA) were interviewed about their experiences in and with the program. Harper’s Anti-Deficit Achievement Framework (2010) was used to analyze and interpret the study’s data. The findings highlighted the value of alternate second chance pathway programs in providing equitable college access for PHSRs. The study findings fall into three main categories – the role of program personnel and institutional allies, the role of anti-deficit practices (such as culturally relevant experience practices and pedagogy) in supporting student persistence and success, and the significance of intensive, wrap around support services both inside and outside the classroom.
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