Striking a balance in rural Georgia: A case study of the impact of career and technical education course participation and diploma type on academic achievement and high school dropout rates

The following case study analyzes graduation rates and academic achievement in relation to career technology education (CTE) course participation based on diploma type at a high school located in a rural school district in the state of Georgia. The objective of this dissertation study was to discover if there are were correlations between CTE course participation based on three diploma types: College Prep, Tech Prep, and the diploma type encompassing both College Prep and Tech Prep requirements. The study used quantitative research methods to assess if and how these correlations affect academic achievement and the likelihood of dropping out of high school. Qualitative research methods were used in an effort to find ways to improve current CTE courses and programming specific to the case study setting.