Appendix A.2. High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09)

The High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) is a nationally representative, longitudinal study of approximately 21,000 9th-grade students in 944 schools who will be followed through their secondary and postsecondary years. The study focuses on understanding students' trajectories from the beginning of high school into postsecondary education, the workforce, and beyond. The HSLS:09 questionnaire is focused on, but not limited to, information on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers. It is designed to provide data on mathematics and science education, the changing high school environment, and postsecondary education. This study features a new student assessment in algebra skills, reasoning, and problem solving and includes surveys of students, their parents, math and science teachers, and school administrators, as well as a new survey of school counselors.

The HSLS:09 student questionnaire includes interest and motivation items for measuring key factors predicting choice of postsecondary paths, including majors and eventual careers. This study explores the roles of different factors in the development of a student's commitment to attend college and then take the steps necessary to succeed in college (the right courses, courses in specific sequences, etc.). Questionnaires in this study have asked more questions of students and parents regarding reasons for selecting specific colleges (e.g., academic programs, financial aid and access prices, and campus environment).

HSLS:09 most recently surveyed respondents in 2013 regarding applications, acceptances, and rejections at colleges during respondents' critical junior and senior years in high school. A short questionnaire obtained information on college acceptances and actual college choices. In past longitudinal studies, this activity has been delayed until later follow-ups (2 years after high school).

Data collection for the first follow-up of HSLS:09 took place in the spring of 2012, when most sample members were in the spring of the 11th grade. Data files and documentation for the first follow-up were released in fall 2013 and are available on the NCES website. Data for the 2013 update were collected in 2013 and will be released in late 2014.

Further information on HSLS:09 may be obtained from

Elise Christopher
Sample Surveys Division
Longitudinal Surveys Branch
1990 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
hsls09@ed.gov
http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/hsls09