The knowledge economy is changing the way people work. New labor market entrants can expect to experience a succession of jobs in a number of industry sectors during their working lives. They may have concurrent part-time jobs at one time, and no paid work at other times. Work periods will be interspersed with periods of learning, either full- or…

Describes reasons for the recent demise of the full employment goal in today's society. Predicts that the present and future reality of high unemployment will necessitate a change in the curriculum of public schools to include three main categories of "education for unemployment": (1) survival skills; (2) contextual awareness; and (3)…

The purpose of this document is to provide a context for the identification of issues that will be critical to the long-term future of public education in the United States and central to the long-term commitments and investments of the National Education Association. This paper is divided into three basic components. Part 1, "Inevitable Forces…

Changes in college faculty employment patterns since the 1970s are examined, focusing on the current lack of available positions, increased use of part-time faculty, dual appointments, racial/ethnic and gender distribution among college teachers, and growth in class size. (MSE)

Maintains that Chinese urbanization is proceeding rapidly in step with population growth and a structural shift in employment patterns. Discusses governmental policies and economic reforms that enhance the urbanization process. Describes four extended metropolitan areas and maintains they will be the models for future urbanization. (CFR)

This study examined the economic development role of small businesses in Macomb County, Michigan, in order to identify those businesses which are most significant in terms of their contribution to economic development and, which therefore, would warrant public support for their retention and growth. Using these criteria, the study isolated the…

Traces the decline in United States productivity growth since the late 1960's. Suggests that the failure to innovate, changing demographics, and disruptions to the economy (including oil price increases and inflation) are major contributors to the decline. Argues that American living standards will stagnate unless this trend is reversed. (TW)

This booklet is a composite of the major presentations and activities that were included in three workshops for counselors in Oregon schools, community colleges, and social service agencies that dealt with occupational and educational trends for the 1990s. Provided first is a summary of a series of small group discussions that focused on projected…

The First Statewide Legislative Symposium on Rural Development assessed New York's rural business, economic development, and employment potential. Growth in the economic potential of communities, favorable quality of life, and geographic accessibility have supported a decade-long influx of new residents to New York's 44 rural counties. The state…

The problems facing young people in Australia's current labor market and the effectiveness of Australia's educational system in preparing young people for the labor market were examined. Particular attention was paid to the following issues: the reshaping of work in the modern labor market; skill development in the modern labor market; the impact…

The issue of underemployment (a condition characterized by inadequate hours, inadequate income, and/or inadequate use of skills) is explored in this monograph. The methodology and vocabulary of underemployment are first examined, including a definition synthesis of hours worked, skill utilization, and compensation. The second section provides…

This book is an international review of the literature on literacy and the new work order. The book begins with an overview examining the following topics: the history of workplace literacy education, the changing nature of work, the problem of illiteracy, and literacy in the context of the workplace. Part 1 presents texts critiquing or supporting…

This document, which is directed primarily at groups working with people who are unemployed, partly employed, or out of the workforce, contains materials for a course titled "Changing Directions" that is designed to help people make sense of contemporary changes in society and work while considering various ways to channel their…

This book explains how work organizations can create a workplace climate that encourages real-time, on-the-job learning and development of competent workplace learners, who are wiling and able to seize the initiative for identifying their own learning experiences and evaluating the results. The following are among the topics discussed: (1) the…

The National Center for Education Statistics conducted a comprehensive analysis of the current context of vocational education (VE), employer perspectives on VE, trends in secondary and postsecondary VE, the academic preparation of students participating in VE, relevant school reform efforts, and VE students' transitions after high school. Among…