Career Academies Review Protocol

The objective of this systematic review is to determine the quality of existing causal evidence on the effectiveness of Career Academies, describe lessons learned from the implementation of such programs, and provide descriptive information from research about the programs.

The review focuses on Career Academies, a high school reform intervention with three characteristic components: school-within-a-school learning communities, integrated academic and technical curricula, and partnerships with local employers and postsecondary institutions.

Research with causal, implementation, and descriptive analyses is included in this topic area. Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research (CLEAR) reviewers assess the quality of causal evidence presented in impact studies. CLEAR reviewers also evaluate the implementation or process analyses associated with impact studies, if available. Other research is summarized but does not receive a comprehensive review.