An analysis of Gateway Technical College instructors' opinions on secondary and postsecondary program alignment.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine what opinions Gateway Technical College instructors had toward secondary and postsecondary program alignment. Student transition is critical to supporting the mission and vision of Gateway Technical College. The impetus for this study was twofold. First, the quality improvement process established at Gateway Technical College were not alone meeting the need to increase direct enrollment from area high schools; and second, the researcher has extensive professional experience in implementation of tech prep and school-to-career programs and believes alternative approaches to youth transition services are needed for many students. The results of the study showed that Gateway instructors have a strong opinion on the value and need for program alignment between secondary and postsecondary programming but they are not as strong in their support for credit transfer between the systems. It was also evidenced through survey comments and focus group responses that credit should not be the reason for program alignment. Competency development and defined career pathways are highly valued by instructors an measuring students' ability to transition into postsecondary programs and make Gateway a college of first choice.