Wanting Matters: How Expectations Shape the Success of Technical College Students

Using an extensive survey of 1,000 students attending the Madison Area Technical College (MATC), researchers are collecting and analyzing data on student expectations early in the technical college experience and in subsequent years and connecting it to student transcript data. The goals of the project are to: 1) better understand the quality and meaning of technical students aspirations, expectations, and decision-making strategies; 2) assess changes over time in those measures; and 3) examine relationships between aspirations, expectations, and decision-making strategies and student transitions. This study thus promises to contribute a deeper understanding of technical college students’ ambitions, motivations, and outcomes.

Professor of Educational Policy Studies and WISCAPE Faculty Affiliate Sara Goldrick-Rab is principal investigator for the study, which is partially funded by WISCAPE gift funds. Participating graduate students include Marjorie Cook from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, Suzanne Sublette from the Department of Educational Policy Studies, and James Benson from the Department of Sociology. Undergraduates Briana Norton, Tommy Sharell Hoard, Melissa Smith, and Annie Lien are also providing assistance.


 

Make a Gift to WISCAPE

About Gifts
Make a Gift Online
Make a Gift by Mail