about us
In 2006, a team of researchers at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) worked with the IACTED to develop a longitudinal study of select CTE program graduates. The research team used a survey questionnaire created by the members of IACTED. The survey questions were developed to focus on education, employment, and personal plans. The survey consisted of 26 questions, which would be administered once a year for five years. The study would provide researchers with data which could be used to track graduates of CTE programs. The study methodology consisted of researchers traveling to six randomly assigned CTE schools within Indiana and obtaining contact information and consent forms from program graduates. The sample selected for the study was stratified to cover specific demographics such as: geographic location, program participation, gender, and ethnicity.
The 2007 study began in April with 398 study participants. Several strategies were developed to help encourage participation in the study. The research team implemented the www.CTEstudy.com web site as a way for participants to get information, submit surveys, and change contact information. The survey methods are listed below.
Each year, the research team sends out a personalized email and letter informing the participant of the study, and of the different ways they can submit their responses. The team makes every attempt to contact each person that was initially part of the study via phone, email, letter, and the internet. In 2007 and 2008, participants of the study were contacted and the total sample sizes were n=101 for 2007 and n=83 for 2008. Each year the survey opens in summer and closes before the end of the year. In that time, the team sends emails, letters, post cards, and makes 2 phone calls to each participant in the study.
The focus of this web site is to present the results of the survey, as each year CTEstudy.com is updated so that the public and educators can stay informed as to the outcomes of CTE education in Indiana. The survey instrument used for the study was designed with input from the IACTED members and the research team of Charlie Feldhaus, Stephen Hundley and Nathan Mott, all faculty members at IUPUI.
