Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of Tech Prep project directors regarding the success factors, road blocks, and strategies/practices most important to the successful implementation of Tech Prep programs in California, and to assess the presence or absence of these in California public high schools. Methodology. The research design was descriptive in that it utilized survey research to solicit 'expert' opinion. Once the success factors, roadblocks, and strategies/practices were identified, the researcher used the findings to develop an instrument that measured the presence or absence of these variables in California high schools. Findings. (1) Tech Prep Project Directors identified: Business and Industry Involvement as the most important success factor, Resistance to change as the most important roadblock, and Involvement of all stakeholders as the most important strategy/practice. (2) California Public High School principals rated the success factor administrative buy-in; the roadblock reluctance of UC and CSU systems to accept applied academics, and the strategy/practice staff development time as having the highest level of presence in their schools. (3) A significant difference was found in the levels of implementation of Tech Prep programs based upon several success factors, including; administrative buy-in, administrative support, and strong leadership for change. In addition, a significant difference was found in the levels of these success factors based upon the level of Tech Prep implementation. (4) Seventy three percent of the principals surveyed identified the levels of implementation of Tech Prep programs in their schools as non-existent to low. Conclusions and recommendations. Several success factors (specified in findings section of abstract) were found to be significant variables in the implementation of Tech Prep programs. However, the reported levels of Tech Prep implementation indicate that Tech Prep programs are still in the infancy stages of implementation. These results suggest that these success factors may be important considerations when developing a strategic plan for successful Tech Prep implementation.