The Value of Alignment: How Do Industry-Based Certifications Impact Texas High School Graduates Entering the Workforce? Policy Brief No. 1
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| Title: | The Value of Alignment: How Do Industry-Based Certifications Impact Texas High School Graduates Entering the Workforce? Policy Brief No. 1 |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | J. Jacob Kirksey, Jennifer Freeman, Braden Re, Rachel Martin, Angela R. Crevar, Texas Tech University (TTU), Center for Innovative Research in Change, Leadership, and Education (CIRCLE) |
| Source: | Center for Innovative Research in Change, Leadership, and Education. 2025. |
| Availability: | Center for Innovative Research in Change, Leadership, and Education. Texas Tech University, College of Education, 3002 18th Street, Room 168, Lubbock, TX 79409. Tel: 806-834-2923; e-mail: circle.educ@ttu.edu; Web site: https://hdl.handle.net/2346/88837 |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Walton Family Foundation |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | High School Graduates, Entry Workers, Industry, Certification, Career and Technical Education, Education Work Relationship, Alignment (Education), Labor Market, Labor Demands, Wages, Credentials, Accountability |
| Geographic Terms: | Texas |
| Abstract: | This study examines whether the economic benefits of Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs) in Texas depend on alignment to students' Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study and regional labor market demand. Using statewide longitudinal data on high school graduates who entered the workforce directly, we find that IBCs are associated with modest wage gains, but alignment is key: students whose credentials match both their coursework and local demand earn significantly more and are more likely to obtain postsecondary credentials in high-demand fields. In contrast, misaligned IBCs yield lower earnings and no difference in likelihood of obtaining additional postsecondary education. These findings highlight the importance of refining accountability systems to reflect the true value of aligned career pathways. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED679056 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study examines whether the economic benefits of Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs) in Texas depend on alignment to students' Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study and regional labor market demand. Using statewide longitudinal data on high school graduates who entered the workforce directly, we find that IBCs are associated with modest wage gains, but alignment is key: students whose credentials match both their coursework and local demand earn significantly more and are more likely to obtain postsecondary credentials in high-demand fields. In contrast, misaligned IBCs yield lower earnings and no difference in likelihood of obtaining additional postsecondary education. These findings highlight the importance of refining accountability systems to reflect the true value of aligned career pathways. |
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