An analysis of gender differences in industry-based certification attainment rates of Texas high school graduates

Robert Todd Hicks; John R. Slate; Janene W. Hemmen

doi:10.70116/2980274123

Authors

Robert Todd Hicks Sam Houston State University
John R. Slate Sam Houston State University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9915-7849
Janene W. Hemmen Sam Houston State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70116/2980274123

Keywords:

College, career, and military readiness, Gender, Industry-based certification, Texas Education Agency

Abstract

In this statewide, multiyear study, industry-based certification attainment rates were examined by gender for Texas high school graduates. Industry-based certifications included in the study were vetted by the Texas Education Agency and reported through the Texas Academic Performance Reports for the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 school years. Inferential analyses revealed statistically significant differences in industry-based certification attainment rates for each of the three school years of data analyzed. Both boys and girls demonstrated increases in certification attainment across the years analyzed; however, the attainment rate of Texas male high school graduates increased at a faster rate than the attainment rate of Texas female high school graduates. Differences in attainment rates and associated attainment gaps between male and female graduates are presented for each of the three school years of data analyzed, as well as recommendations for future research.

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