College and Career Ready (or Not): A Systematic Review of Programs in Alternative Settings

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Bibliographic Details
Title: College and Career Ready (or Not): A Systematic Review of Programs in Alternative Settings
Language: English
Authors: Samantha Shera, Alyssa Blasko (ORCID 0000-0002-9799-3656), Lee Kern, Christopher T. H. Liang, Jennifer Freeman (ORCID 0000-0001-5128-4208)
Source: Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals. 2025 48(3):175-187.
Availability: SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Contract Number: R324A200097
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: College Readiness, Career Readiness, Emotional Disturbances, Behavior Disorders, At Risk Students, Juvenile Justice, Institutionalized Persons, Intervention, Program Effectiveness
DOI: 10.1177/21651434241255076
ISSN: 2165-1434
2165-1442
Abstract: Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are at an increased risk for poor outcomes (e.g., dropout, unemployment, mental health problems). These risks are heightened for students placed in juvenile justice and/or alternative placement settings. Increasing college and career readiness (CCR) opportunities may potentially lead to increases in school engagement, better postsecondary outcomes, and lower school dropout. Previous systematic reviews have examined CCR programs solely in school settings. The current review extended previous research by examining CCR programs for students placed in juvenile justice settings, detention centers, and/or alternative placement settings serving students with emotional and behavioral problems. A total of seven articles were identified after a rigorous systematic search and screening process. A majority of the studies employed didactic instruction as part of a multicomponent intervention, and evaluated multiple outcomes with mixed effectiveness. With respect to quality indicators, many of the studies did not meet standards of rigor for empirical research. Future research, practice, and policy implications are addressed as there is a need to increase the evidence base of CCR programs for youth in juvenile justice and alternative placement settings.
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1477196
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are at an increased risk for poor outcomes (e.g., dropout, unemployment, mental health problems). These risks are heightened for students placed in juvenile justice and/or alternative placement settings. Increasing college and career readiness (CCR) opportunities may potentially lead to increases in school engagement, better postsecondary outcomes, and lower school dropout. Previous systematic reviews have examined CCR programs solely in school settings. The current review extended previous research by examining CCR programs for students placed in juvenile justice settings, detention centers, and/or alternative placement settings serving students with emotional and behavioral problems. A total of seven articles were identified after a rigorous systematic search and screening process. A majority of the studies employed didactic instruction as part of a multicomponent intervention, and evaluated multiple outcomes with mixed effectiveness. With respect to quality indicators, many of the studies did not meet standards of rigor for empirical research. Future research, practice, and policy implications are addressed as there is a need to increase the evidence base of CCR programs for youth in juvenile justice and alternative placement settings.
ISSN:2165-1434
2165-1442
DOI:10.1177/21651434241255076