Findings: Career Technical Education Completers/Leavers Survey

Santa Monica College Findings: Career Technical Education Completers/Leavers Survey 2011 Pilot Study Prepared by the Office of Institutional Research Fall 2011

Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Profile of Survey Respondents 3 Survey Findings 6 Reasons for Attending SMC 6 Satisfaction Question Items 7 Current Employment Status 10 Gains in Wages and Benefits 12 Skills Used in Current Employment 14 Reasons for Leaving SMC 16 Conclusions 17 Appendix A: Survey Questions 19 Appendix B: Skills that SMC Could Have Prepared Students Better For 23 Appendix C: Other Reasons for Leaving SMC 25 ii 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Executive Summary The college surveyed 1,232 former CTE students who earned a career certificate or associate degree (Completers) and those who took substantial coursework in a CTE program but did not receive an award (Leavers). Students returned 173 surveys for a response rate of 14.0%. The following points summarize the major findings of the survey study: About 43% of survey respondents had earned an associate or higher degree prior to enrolling at SMC. The large proportion of former CTE students who already have a degree implies that a certificate, degree, or transfer goal may not apply to all students. A larger proportion of Leavers (32.7%) reported that the primary reason for attending SMC was to obtain or update job-related skills or for personal enjoyment or selfimprovement than Completers (9.3%). Although they left the college without earning a certificate or degree, a large majority of Leavers (84.4%) reported that they were satisfied with the education they received at SMC. A large majority of survey respondents reported that the courses at SMC helped them obtain their current job, advance in their current job, improve their job performance, and or improve their overall employability. Disproportionately fewer Leavers reported that SMC helped them on all four points when compared with Completers; however, the percentages of Leavers who indicated that SMC did help them were still high (64% to 76%). On average, students reported a gain of $5.41 in hourly wage when comparing their wages before and after attending SMC. Overall, with the exception of dental, survey respondents reported a gain in benefits, including medical, vision, retirement, vacation, and paid sick leave. A fewer proportion of Leavers reported having these benefits after leaving SMC when compared with before their education at SMC; however, Leavers reported a 20% gain in opportunities for pay increases and 27% gain in opportunities for promotion after leaving SMC. A large majority of survey respondents reported using general work, computer/technology, interpersonal, reading and writing, and math skills in their current jobs. Among the options listed for the primary reason Leavers left SMC without earning a certificate or degree, the highest proportions of students (15% each) reported that they did not have enough time for classes or transferred to another college. Twelve or 14% of the respondents indicated that they reached their goal and earned a departmental certificate. 1 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Introduction A survey of former students enrolled in Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at Santa Monica College (SMC) was administered in summer of 2010. The purpose of the survey was to assess the impact of SMC CTE programs on student success beyond certificate and degree counts, such as satisfaction with SMC programs and gain in employment, wages, and benefits. The college surveyed 1,232 CTE students who earned a career certificate or associate degree (Completers) and those who took substantial coursework in a CTE field but did not receive a certificate or degree (Leavers). Completers earned a Chancellor s Office approved certificates and degrees in 2009-2010 and they do not include those who solely earned a departmental certificate (as they are not recognized by the Chancellor s Office as a formal award). Leavers included students who, as of 2009-2010, earned at least six credit units in courses identified as being clearly (SAM code C) or advanced occupational (SAM code B), but did not enroll in the college in 2010-2011 and had not previously earned a degree or certificate. A total of 355 students surveyed were Completers, representing 28.8% of the total survey sample, and 877 students surveyed were Leavers, representing 71.2% of the total survey sample. The surveys were administered during a six-week period by mail. Students who had not returned a survey by the end of the six-weeks were contacted by phone to complete the survey on the phone. Students returned 173 surveys for a response rate of 14.0%. The following table describes the survey response rate by student group (Completers vs. Leavers). The data reveal the Completers returned the survey at a higher rate (21.1%) than Leavers (11.2%). Table 1. Survey Response Rate Returned Response Rate Surveyed Survey Completers 75 355 21.1% Leavers 98 877 11.2% Total 173 1,232 14.0% 2 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Profile of Survey Respondents The following tables describe the gender, ethnicity/race, residence, and educational profile of the survey respondents. The background and demographic information was collected using the college s information systems and were not a part of the survey questions. Table 2. Survey Respondents by Gender Gender Count % Female 121 69.9% Male 49 28.3% Unreported 3 1.7% Total 173 100% A majority of survey respondents were women. Approximately one in four survey respondents were men. Table 3. Survey Respondents by Ethnicity/Race Ethnicity/Race Count % Asian/Pacific Islander 39 22.5% Black/African American 6 3.5% Hispanic 36 20.8% Two or more 2 1.2% White 65 37.6% Declined/Unknown 25 14.5% Total 173 100% The ethnicity/race profile of survey respondents is diverse; approximately 23% of survey respondents were Asian/Pacific Islander, 4% were Black, 21% were Hispanic, and 28% were White. 3 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Table 4. Survey Respondents by Residence Status Residence Status Count % California resident 156 90.2% Out-of-state 2 1.2% Foreign country 12 6.9% Unknown 3 1.7% Total 173 100% Over 90% of survey respondents were California residents. Table 5. Survey Respondents by Education Status Education Status Count % HS diploma and below 95 54.9% Associate degree 9 5.2% Bachelor or higher degree 66 38.2% Unreported 3 1.7% Total 173 100% Nearly 43% of survey respondents indicated that they had earned an associate degree or higher prior to enrolling at SMC. The data suggests that many CTE students may not have the traditional goals of earning a certificate, degree, or transfer. 4 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Survey respondents represented a variety of CTE programs. The table below describes the percentage of survey respondents by program. It is possible for students to have taken coursework in more than one program; therefore, the data is duplicated and the sum of percentages does not add up to 100%. Table 6. Survey Respondents by CTE Program Department Business Communications Cosmetology CSIS Design Technology Early Childhood Education Health Science Photo-Fashion % of Program Survey Count Sample (N=173) Accounting 39 22.5% Automotive Technology 1 0.6% Management Development and Supervision 2 1.2% Marketing and Distribution 6 3.5% Office Tech/Office Computer App 2 1.2% Subtotal 50 28.9% Digital Media 5 2.9% Film Studies 1 0.6% Television (including TV/Film/Video) 1 0.6% Website Design and Development 7 4.0% Subtotal 14 8.1% Cosmetology 23 13.3% Subtotal 23 13.3% Computer Programming 6 3.5% Software Applications 3 1.7% Subtotal 9 5.2% Graphic Art and Design 12 6.9% Subtotal 12 6.9% Child Development/Early Care and Education 25 14.5% Subtotal 25 14.5% Registered Nursing 16 9.2% Respiratory Care/Therapy 14 8.1% Subtotal 30 17.3% Fashion Merchandising 2 1.2% Interior Design and Merchandising 8 4.6% Subtotal 10 5.8% Unreported 3 1.7% The largest proportion of survey respondents were enrolled in the Business program (29%), primarily the Accounting program. Approximately 17% of survey respondents were Completers and Leavers in the Health Sciences programs, 15% were in the Early Childhood Education programs, and 13% were enrolled in Cosmetology courses at SMC. A total of three surveys did not identify their unique survey code which was assigned to each student which meant that their program was unable to be tracked. 5 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Survey Findings Reasons for Attending SMC As data in Table 5 suggested, not all CTE students may have a goal to earn a certificate, degree, or transfer to a four-year institution. Table 7 below describes students primary reason for attending SMC. Table 7. Primary Reason for Attending SMC Reason Transfer to a four year college/university Obtain an associate degree (AA/AS) Complete a certificate program Obtain or update job-related skills Self-improvement/personal enjoyment Completers Leavers Total Count % Count % Count % 18 24.0% 23 23.5% 41 23.7% 24 32.0% 17 17.4% 41 23.7% 24 32.0% 23 23.5% 47 27.2% 5 6.7% 24 24.5% 29 16.8% 2 2.7% 8 8.2% 10 5.8% Other 2 2.7% 3 3.1% 5 2.9% Total 75 100% 98 100% 173 100% Respondents indicated that the primary reasons for attending SMC were to complete certificates (27.2%), obtain associate degrees (23.7%), and transfer to a four-year university (23.7%). Among Completers, not surprisingly, the most popular reasons for attending were completing degrees (32%) and certificates (32%), as well as transferring (24%). Among the Leavers, however, the largest proportion of students enrolled for the reason of obtaining or updating their job-related skills (24.5%), although sizeable proportions also reported transfer (23.5%), certificate (23.5%), and degree (17.4%) reasons. This finding suggests that a significant proportion of Leavers did not have a degree or certificate as their educational goal. 6 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Satisfaction Question Items The survey included several items asking students to report their satisfaction level on issues related to their previous and current employment and the SMC program they were enrolled in. Table 8. Satisfaction with Job Prior to Enrolling in SMC I was completely satisfied with the job I had prior to enrolling at SMC. Group Agree/ Agree Agree/ / Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completer 26 37.1% 17 24.3% 27 38.6% 70 100% Leaver 26 31.0% 34 40.5% 24 28.6% 84 100% Overall 52 33.8% 51 33.1% 51 33.1% 154 100% Overall, satisfaction levels related to their prior jobs was fairly low. Only 33.8% of survey respondents indicated they strongly agreed or agreed with the statement I was completely satisfied with the job I had prior to enrolling at SMC. Slightly more Completers (37.1%) strongly agreed/agreed with the statement than Leavers (31.0%); however, more Completers (38.6%) strongly disagreed/disagreed with the statement than Leavers (28.6%). Table 9. Satisfaction with Current Job I am completely satisfied with my current job. Group Agree/ Agree Agree/ / Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completer 50 78.1% 11 17.2% 3 4.7% 64 100% Leaver 51 66.2% 19 24.7% 7 9.1% 77 100% Overall 101 71.6% 30 21.3% 10 7.1% 141 100% About 7 in 10 of all survey respondents reported being satisfied with their current job. A larger proportion of Completers (78.1%) reported being satisfied with their current job than Leavers (66.2%). 7 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Table 10. Satisfaction with Education at SMC Overall, I am satisfied with the education I received at SMC. Group Agree/ Agree Agree/ / Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completer 67 91.8% 5 6.9% 1 1.4% 73 100% Leaver 81 84.4% 14 14.6% 1 1.0% 96 100% Overall 148 87.6% 19 11.2% 2 1.2% 169 100% A large majority of students, nearly 88%, indicated they were satisfied with the education they received at the college. This majority was slightly larger among Completers (91.8%) compared to Leavers (84.4%). A larger minority of Leavers reported mixed satisfaction with their education at SMC (14.6%) than Completers (6.9%). Table 11. SMC Helped Obtain Current Job The courses at SMC helped me obtain my current job. Group Agree/ Agree Agree/ / Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completer 52 83.9% 7 11.3% 3 4.8% 62 100% Leaver 45 66.2% 10 14.7% 13 19.1% 68 100% Overall 97 74.6% 17 13.1% 16 12.3% 130 100% A larger proportion of Completers (83.9%) felt that the courses at SMC helped them obtain their current job compared to Leavers (66.2%). However there was a smaller disparity between the groups when asked whether the courses at SMC helped with advancement in respondents current jobs: 76.8% among Completers reported agreement that the courses helped them to advance in their current job and 63.8% of Leavers reported the same (see Table 12). Table 12. SMC Helped Advance in Current Job The courses at SMC helped me advance in my current job. Group Agree/ Agree Agree/ / Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completer 43 76.8% 9 16.1% 4 7.1% 56 100% Leaver 44 63.8% 17 24.6% 8 11.6% 69 100% Overall 87 69.6% 26 20.8% 12 9.6% 125 100% 8 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Table 13. SMC Helped Improve Job Performance The courses at SMC helped me improve my job performance. / Agree/ Group Agree/ Agree Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completer 54 81.2% 9 13.6% 3 4.6% 66 100% Leaver 59 75.6% 15 19.2% 4 5.1% 78 100% Overall 113 78.5% 24 16.7% 7 4.9% 144 100% Overall, more than three-quarters of survey respondents reported that they strongly agreed or agreed with the statement, The courses at SMC helped me improve my job performance. About 81% of Completers reported that that their coursework at SMC helped them to improve their job performance, while 75.6% of Leavers reported the same. Table 14. SMC Improved Overall Employability The courses at SMC improved my overall employability. Group Agree/ Agree Agree/ / Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completer 63 87.5% 6 8.3% 3 4.2% 72 100% Leaver 63 72.4% 23 26.4% 1 1.2% 87 100% Overall 126 79.3% 29 18.2% 4 2.5% 159 100% A large majority of respondents (79.3% overall) among Leavers (72.4%) and Completers (87.5%) reported that their courses at SMC improved their overall employability. These findings suggest that while slightly more of the students who completed programs reported these positive benefits as a result of enrolling in CTE course at SMC, large majorities of respondents, regardless of whether they completed programs or not, reported these benefits. 9 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Current Employment Status Tables 15 to 18 describe students previous and current employment status. Table 15. Employed Prior to Enrolling at SMC Employed Prior to Total % SMC Completers 50 70 71.4% Leavers 63 85 74.1% Total 113 155 72.9% Overall, approximately 73% of survey respondents indicated that they were employed (in any job) prior to enrolling at SMC. Slightly more Leavers (74.1%) were employed than Completers (71.4%). The data reveal that a majority of CTE students were employed prior to enrolling at SMC. Table 16 describes the percentage of total survey respondents (N=173) who reported searching for a job after leaving the college. Students were permitted to mark more than one response, therefore, the data are duplicated and do the percentages do not sum to 100%. Table 16. Time Searching for Job after Leaving SMC Completers Leavers Total Count % Count % Count % Yes, and I found employment 35 46.7% 33 33.7% 68 39.3% Yes, and I am still looking for employment 12 16.0% 19 19.4% 31 17.9% No, I was already employed when I left SMC. 15 20.0% 31 31.6% 46 26.6% No, I started or continued my own business when I left SMC. 4 5.3% 7 7.1% 11 6.4% No, I was not seeking employment when I left SMC. 16 21.3% 17 17.4% 33 19.1% Overall, approximately 40% of survey respondents indicated that they sought employment after leaving the college and found employment. Approximately one in five survey respondents reported that they sought employment after leaving the college and was still looking for employment. Over one-quarter of respondents indicated that they did not spend time searching for a job after leaving SMC because they were already employed. About 20% said they were not seeking employment at all. About 6% indicated that they did not spend time looking for a job after leaving SMC because they started or continued their own business. 10 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Completers reported higher rates among those who found employment and among those who were not seeking employment after leaving SMC when compared with Leavers. Leavers reported higher rates among those who were still looking for employment, those who were already employed when leaving SMC, and those who were self-employed. The data reveal that not all of CTE students are seeking employment when they leave the college. Table 17. Current Employment Status Completers Leavers Total Count % Count % Count % Employed full-time 35 49.3% 41 47.1% 76 48.1% Employed part-time 17 23.9% 15 17.2% 32 20.3% Self-employed 9 12.7% 9 10.3% 18 11.4% Unemployed 8 11.3% 17 19.5% 25 15.8% Not seeking employment 2 2.8% 5 5.7% 7 4.4% Total 71 100% 87 100% 158 100% At the time that the survey data was collected nearly 80% of respondents were employed (full-time, part-time, or self employed), about 15% were unemployed, and nearly 5% were not seeking employment. Approximately more Leavers (19.5%) reported being currently unemployed when compared Completers (11.3%). Among students who reported being employed, approximately 73% reported being employed in a field that their SMC program prepared them for (see Table 18); disproportionately more Completers (79%) reported being employed in a field SMC prepared them for when compared with Leavers (67%). Table 18. Employed in SMC Prepared Field Employed in SMC Prepared Total % Field Completers 48 61 78.7% Leavers 42 63 66.7% Total 90 124 72.6% 11 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Gains in Wages and Benefits The following set of data summarizes employment statistics and benefits information for survey respondents jobs prior to and following enrollment at SMC. Only respondents who reported being employed prior to enrolling at SMC and those participants who reported being currently employed full-time or part-time were included in the analyses. Self-employed respondents were excluded in an effort not to skew the data because these respondents answers varied so widely and because self-employed respondents tended to report no benefits (e.g. medical, dental, vision, sick time, vacation time, etc.). Further, any respondents who entered non-numeric (e.g. commission or percentage of earnings) responses regarding their hourly wages were excluded solely for this statistic to permit the calculation of averages. CTE students who were both employed prior to enrolling and after leaving SMC reported working nearly full-time before SMC and after SMC. Prior to enrolling at SMC, students reported working an average of 37 hours per week; there was no difference in hours worked per week between Completers and Leavers. After leaving SMC, students reported working an average of 1.4 more hours (38.1 hours); there was no difference between Completers and Leavers. On average, students reported working an average of over 11 months in a year both before and after their SMC education. There was no difference in average months worked per year between the CTE groups. On average, students reported a gain of $5.41 in hourly wage when comparing their wages before and after SMC. Completers earned about $2.50 less than Leavers prior to enrollment, and therefore reported a slightly greater gain in wage (+$7.51) than did Leavers (+$3.71). Table 19. Gains in Hours Worked and Hourly Wage Avg. # of hrs/wk # months worked/yr Hourly Wage Before After Diff Before After Diff Before After Diff SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC Completers 35.6 38.4 +2.8 11.2 11.5 +0.3 $16.07 $23.58 +$7.51 Leavers 37.6 37.9 +0.3 11.5 11.3-0.2 $19.60 $23.31 +$3.71 Total 36.7 38.1 +1.4 11.3 11.4 +0.1 $18.03 $23.44 +$5.41 12 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Table 20 describes the health and other benefits students received prior to and after enrolling at SMC. The percentage values describe the total percentage of respondents who marked Yes for the specified benefit. Table 20. Gains in Benefits and Opportunities Completers Leavers Total Before SMC After SMC Diff Before SMC After SMC Diff Before SMC After SMC Diff Medical 60.0% 74.3% +14.3% 63.4% 58.5% -4.9% 61.8% 65.8% +4.0% Dental 60.0% 68.6% +8.6% 61.0% 51.2% -9.8% 60.5% 59.2% -1.3% Vision 51.4% 65.7% +14.3% 56.1% 46.3% -9.8% 53.9% 55.3% +1.4% Retirement 45.7% 68.6% +22.9% 41.5% 39.0% -2.5% 43.4% 52.6% +9.2% Vacation 60.0% 80.0% +20.0% 56.1% 58.5% -2.4% 57.9% 68.4% +10.5% Paid sick leave 51.4% 74.3% +22.9% 53.7% 53.7% 0% 52.6% 63.2% +10.6% Opportunities for pay increases Opportunities for promotions 65.7% 82.9% +17.2% 63.4% 82.9% +19.5% 64.5% 82.9% +18.4% 45.7% 62.9% +17.2% 56.1% 82.9% +26.8% 51.3% 73.7% +22.4% Overall, with the exception of dental benefits, survey respondents reported a gain in benefits, including medical, vision, and retirement, vacation, paid sick leave, opportunities for pay increases, and opportunities for promotions after leaving SMC. While the proportions of respondents receiving benefits are largely unchanged or decreased among Leavers, they reported a 20% gain in opportunities for pay increases and 27% gain in opportunities for promotions. Among Completers, after leaving SMC about 14% more reported medical benefits, about 9% more reported dental benefits, about 14% more reported vision benefits, about 23% more reported retirement benefits, 20% more reported vacation benefits, and about 23% more reported paid sick leave compared to the proportions of respondents reporting the same about their employment prior to enrolling at SMC. 13 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Skills Used in Current Employment The following set of data describes the extent to which former students use particular skills in their current employment. Only students who reported being currently employed were included in the analyses. Table 21. General Work Skills General work skills (punctuality, time management, etc.) Frequently/ Often Sometimes Seldom/Never Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completers 49 100% 0 0% 0 0% 49 100% Leavers 55 100% 0 0% 0 0% 55 100% Total 104 100% 0 0% 0 0% 104 100% All of the survey respondents who were currently employed reported frequently using or using often general work skills such as punctuality and time management. Table 22. Computer/Technology Skills Computer/ technology skills Frequently/ Often Sometimes Seldom/Never Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completers 37 77.1% 6 12.5% 5 10.4% 48 100% Leavers 48 87.3% 4 7.3% 3 5.5% 55 100% Total 85 82.5% 10 9.7% 8 7.4% 103 100% Overall, 83% of survey respondents reported using computer and technology skills frequently or often, in their current employment. More Leavers (77.1%) than Completers (87.3%) reported using computer or technology skills frequently or often in their employment. Table 23. Interpersonal Skills Frequently/ Often Sometimes Seldom/Never Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Interpersonal skills Completers 48 96.0% 2 4.0% 0 0% 50 100% Leavers 51 94.4% 2 3.7% 1 1.9% 54 100% Total 99 95.2% 4 3.8% 1 1.0% 104 100% About 95% of all survey respondents reported frequently or often using interpersonal skills in their current jobs. 14 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Table 24. Reading and Writing Skills Reading and writing skills Frequently/ Often Sometimes Seldom/Never Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Completers 40 81.6% 7 14.3% 2 4.1% 49 100% Leavers 47 85.5% 5 9.1% 3 5.5% 55 100% Total 87 83.7% 12 11.5% 5 4.8% 104 100% A large majority of survey respondents reported using reading and writing skills frequently or often in their current jobs. About 4% more Leavers than Completers reported using reading and writing skills frequently or often. Table 25. Math Skills Frequently/ Often Sometimes Seldom/Never Total Count % Count % Count % Count % Math skills Completers 34 69.4% 8 16.3% 7 14.3% 49 100% Leavers 32 60.4% 14 26.4% 7 13.2% 53 100% Total 66 64.7% 22 20.4% 14 13.0% 102 100% Approximately two-thirds of currently employed survey respondents reported using math skills frequently or often, in their current jobs. An additional 20% reported using math skills sometimes in their jobs. Nine percent more Completers than Leavers reported frequently or often using math skills. In addition to general work, computer/technology, interpersonal, reading and writing, and math skills, survey respondents were elicited to identify job skills that SMC could have prepared them better for. A complete list of responses is reported in Appendix B. The following describe the most popular responses: Respondents felt that more applied or real-world experience outside of classroom instruction would be valuable. Respondents felt they would have benefited from more instruction related to marketing oneself and competing in the job market. Many respondents stated they could have been prepared with various technological skills (e.g. training with specific software, programming languages, etc.) A number of responses centered on the theme of communication. Respondents felt they could have been better prepared for interpersonal interactions, public speaking, and networking. 15 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Reason for Leaving SMC Leavers were asked to identify the primary reason for discontinuing their enrollment at SMC. The largest proportion of respondents indicated other reasons for leaving SMC and these responses are summarized in Appendix C. A large majority of the other respondents reported that they earned a departmental certificate. Approximately 15% of Leavers reported not having enough time for classes and another 15% reported transferring to another college. Fewer than 10% of Leavers identified financial issues as a reason for leaving SMC, and 8% reported family/personal reasons. An additional 8% indicated that the program at SMC was not what they wanted. Table 26. Reason for Leaving SMC Count % Other (please specify) 25 28.4% Did not have enough time for classes 13 14.8% Transferred to another college 13 14.8% Financial Reasons 8 9.1% Family/personal reasons 7 8.0% Program was not what I wanted 7 8.0% Obtained the job I wanted 6 6.8% Job change 5 5.7% Relocation 2 2.3% Need more time to decide what I want 2 2.3% Total 88 100% 16 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Conclusions The college surveyed 1,232 former CTE students who earned a career certificate or associate degree (Completers) and those who took substantial coursework in a CTE program but did not receive an award (Leavers). Students returned 173 surveys for a response rate of 14.0%. The following points summarize the major findings of the survey study: About 43% of survey respondents had earned an associate or higher degree prior to enrolling at SMC. The large proportion of former CTE students who already have a degree implies that a certificate, degree, or transfer goal may not apply to all students. A larger proportion of Leavers (32.7%) reported that the primary reason for attending SMC was to obtain or update job-related skills or for personal enjoyment or self-improvement than Completers (9.3%). The data has implications for using award completion as the sole measure for CTE student success. Nearly one-third of Leavers indicate that their primary educational goal at SMC was not to earn a certificate, degree, or transfer but to obtain or obtain job skills or for professional or personal development. Therefore, it is important to identify other measures of student success. Although they left the college without earning a certificate or degree, a large majority of Leavers (84.4%) reported that they were satisfied with the education they received at SMC. A large majority of survey respondents reported that the courses at SMC helped them obtain their current job, advance in their current job, improve their job performance, and or improve their overall employability. Disproportionately fewer Leavers reported that SMC helped them on all four points when compared with Completers; however, the percentages of Leavers who indicated that SMC did help them were still high (64% to 76%). Although they did not earn a certificate or degree, a large majority of Leavers reported benefits of attending SMC, including obtaining or advancing in their current employment and improving their job performance and overall employability. On average, students reported a gain of $5.41 in hourly wage when comparing their wages before and after attending SMC. Overall, with the exception of dental, survey respondents reported a gain in benefits, including medical, vision, retirement, vacation, and paid sick leave. A 17 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

fewer proportion of Leavers reported having these benefits after leaving SMC when compared with before their education at SMC; however, Leavers reported a 20% gain in opportunities for pay increases and 27% gain in opportunities for promotion after leaving SMC. A large majority of survey respondents reported using general work, computer/technology, interpersonal, reading and writing, and math skills in their current jobs. This finding has implications for the curriculum of CTE programs. In addition to discipline-specific knowledge and skills, survey respondents reported using soft skills in their jobs on a regular basis. Among the options listed for the primary reason Leavers left SMC without earning a certificate or degree, the highest proportions of students (15% each) reported that they did not have enough time for classes or transferred to another college. Twelve or 14% of the respondents indicated that they reached their goal and earned a departmental certificate. The finding suggests that students who leave SMC may have other reasons besides academics. In addition, a large number of former students reported they left the college because they earned a departmental certificate. Although the Chancellor s Office does not recognize the departmental certificate as a formal award, students recognize it as an achievement. 18 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Appendix A: Survey Questions SANTA MONICA COLLEGE Career Technical Education Former Student Survey Santa Monica College (SMC) is conducting a survey of former students to understand how SMCs Career and Technical Education programs prepare students for employment/careers. Please answer the following questions; your responses will help the college improve its courses and programs. The information you provide on the survey will be kept completely confidential. 1. What was your PRIMARY reason/goal for attending SMC? Mark only one response. Transfer to a four-year college/university Obtain an associate degree (AA/AS) Complete a certificate program Obtain or update job-related skills Self-improvement/personal enjoyment Other (please specify): 2. Using the scale below, rate the extent to which you agree with the following statements: Agree 3. Did you spend time searching for a job after leaving SMC? Mark all that apply. Yes, and I found employment. How long did it take you to find employment (in months)? months Yes, and I am still looking for employment. Agree No, I was already employed when I left SMC. No, I started or continued my own business when I left SMC. Since leaving SMC, have you hired new employees in your business? No Yes. How many? Employees No, I was not seeking employment when I left SMC. Agree Not Applicable I was completely satisfied with the job I had prior to enrolling at SMC. I am completely satisfied with my current job. Overall, I am satisfied with the education and training I received at SMC. The courses at SMC helped me obtain my current job. The courses at SMC helped me improve my job performance. The courses at SMC helped me advance in my current job. The courses at SMC improved my overall employability. 19 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

4. Describe your current employment status. Mark only one response. Employed full-time Employed part-time Self-employed Unemployed Not seeking employment 5. Where is your current place of employment? Name of company/agency. (If self-employed, write selfemployed ) 6. What is the five-digit zip code of your work site? (If employed by an online business, write online ). 7. When did you begin employment at your current job? Month Year 8. What is your current job title? 9. Are you employed in a field that your SMC program prepared you for? Yes No 10. Were you employed before enrolling at SMC? Yes No 11. Answer the following questions about your employment BEFORE entering your SMC program, and after you completed/left your program. Before SMC After SMC The average number of hours worked/work per week hrs/wk hrs/wk Number of months you worked/work each year months/yr months/yr Hourly wage $ /hr $ /hr 20 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

12. Which of the following benefits were/are offered at your employment BEFORE entering your SMC program and after you completed/left your program: Before SMC After SMC Medical Dental Vision Retirement Vacation Paid sick leave Opportunities for pay increases Opportunities for promotions 13. Using the scale below, rate the extent to which the following skills are used in your current employment: Frequently Often Sometimes Seldom Never General work skills (punctuality, time management, etc.) Computer/technology skills Interpersonal skills Reading and writing skills Math skills General work skills (punctuality, time management, etc.) Computer/technology skills 14. Of the skills demanded at your current job, which could SMC have better prepared you for? 15. According to our records, you have stopped pursuing your field of study at SMC. If so, what was the PRIMARY reason you have not continued with the program at SMC? Mark only one response. Financial reasons Did not have enough time for classes Job change Relocation Need more time to decide what I want Family/personal reasons Program was not what I wanted Transferred to another college Obtained the job I wanted Other (please specify): 21 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

16. Which of the following services at SMC would you be interested receiving information about? Mark all that apply. SBDC Small Business Development Center Professional development courses offered by Community Education Professional development opportunities by grant-funded programs (i.e., Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Resource & Recycling Management, Clean Energy Workforce Training, Health Information Technology) Alumni Association Other (please specify): 22 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Appendix B: Skills That SMC Could Have Prepared Students Better For Of the skills demanded at your current job, which would SMC have better prepared you for? Theme Real world/ Applied experience/ Job market preparation Communication/Language Technology Comment More emphasis on techniques and styles relevant to the real world instead of just the state board which employs outdated procedures Hand coding html because real world developers don t use Dreamweaver More in-the-field experience as an RN Client relationships More I.V. insertion practice with patients instead of mannequins How to navigate the corporate environment Selling yourself and your portfolio Developing yourself into a business Learning the business side of design since it s so hard to get a job More networking opportunities More real-world type experience, but difficult to teach this in the classroom More real-life experience and practice The materials class was more like field trips and that was disappointing because I don t need to know how the materials are made, but rather how they are applied and used. The focus was on passing the state-board test and it would be nice to do an externship because it creates job opportunities and provides realworld experience. Interior Architectural classes could have given more guidance in how to prepare our portfolios to help us later in employment. Job placement, scholarships. prepared more on how to find a job More internship hours because it would help make us more experienced and competitive in the job market. Have more required internships Safety Exposing to more up to date equipment Finding a job Job Placement public speaking however I made the choice not to take the class communication skills ESL Presentations More ESL classes Interpersonal skills Interpersonal skills interpersonal, public speaking, presentations interpersonal skills (especially in current market) Interpersonal skills Interpersonal skills Interpersonal skills Interpersonal skills confidence communication with employers Self-confidence More courses in advanced editing, more courses in Photoshop, more 23 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Uncategorized courses in Avid Final Cut Pro Website design Graphic design using Photoshop Excel for accountants was not very good Technical aspects of auditing Preparing WP ECT Computer skills In-depth web development especially online commerce and setting up shopping carts Photoshop Technology Excel Computer programming skills Computer skills. Computer Animation, video editing, sound editing. Computer classes should be part of any and all AA requirements Computer skills Web Design Computer programming Technical skills Landscaping Automotive repair, engineering Accounting The other aspects of interior arch design (ie showroom or manufacturing side) Preparing curriculum for preschoolers, language development, parenting skills Child development Small business accounting Fashion, change of season coordination of color combination All accounting courses I took at SMC and all computer courses Research Design business management,, accounting for business owners Basic knowledge for foundation The Interior Design program could have a larger variety of courses, such as green design. More tax accountancy preparation Management skills More cost accounting and retail tax laws Accounting More 3D classes like texturing, rendering, compositing, and tracking. How to stop being an employee and become a business owner. Find a way to offer BSN in nursing For skincare program classes in microdermabrasion chemical peels advanced extractions should be included As part of curriculum to complete esthetics program because without the basic training in these areas most definitely leaves on unprepared to enter the job 24 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey

Appendix C: Other Reasons for Leaving SMC Count Reason 12 Completed departmental certificate programs 3 Completed required courses for CPA exam 3 Couldn t enroll in the needed courses/didn t register in time 3 Was jointly enrolled at a different institution 2 Course offerings didn t meet needs 1 Re-enrolled recently 25 2 011 CTE Completers Leavers Survey