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Outcomes of Academic Tracking Among Young Adults in the United States: A Longitudinal Survey Analysis

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  • Hyunsu Oh

    (Louisiana State University, USA)

  • Houa Vang

    (California State University, Stanislaus, USA)

Abstract

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, we assess the relationship between track placement in high school and long-term postsecondary and occupational outcomes among young adults in the United States. We find that young adults in the college-prep track are most likely to earn a college degree. Young adults in the vocational are more likely than those in the college-prep track to have a vocational premium for short-term earning levels. Otherwise, those in the vocational premium in earnings are eventually eclipsed by the academic premium. We also find that some personal characteristics, such as race, gender, and social class, intersect with the relationship between track placement and our outcome variables. Our findings have theoretical and practical implications for academic tracking and long-term educational and labor market outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyunsu Oh & Houa Vang, 2024. "Outcomes of Academic Tracking Among Young Adults in the United States: A Longitudinal Survey Analysis," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 29(3), pages 561-578, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:29:y:2024:i:3:p:561-578
    DOI: 10.1177/13607804231197049
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eric A. Hanushek & Guido Schwerdt & Ludger Woessmann & Lei Zhang, 2017. "General Education, Vocational Education, and Labor-Market Outcomes over the Lifecycle," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 52(1), pages 48-87.
    2. Joseph G. Altonji, 1995. "The Effects of High School Curriculum on Education and Labor Market Outcomes," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 30(3), pages 409-438.
    3. Giorgio Brunello & Daniele Checchi, 2007. "Does school tracking affect equality of opportunity? New international evidence [‘Educational opportunities and the role of institutions’]," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 22(52), pages 782-861.
    4. repec:oup:ecpoli:v:22:y:2007:i::p:781-861 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Mane, Ferran, 1999. "Trends in the payoff to academic and occupation-specific skills: the short and medium run returns to academic and vocational high school courses for non-college-bound students," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(4), pages 417-437, October.
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