These four diagnostic guides, developed as part of the Investing in People Project in Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Washington, and West Virginia, can be used to help states in assessing their current work force and economic development systems and in building more comprehensive, integrated, and effective strategies for improving the work force.…

This handbook describes the methodology of the Investing in People Project, conducted in Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Washington, and West Virginia to help states in assessing their current work force and economic development systems and in building more comprehensive, integrated, and effective strategies for improving the work force. The handbook…

This handbook explains the components of the North Carolina Career Information and Guidance Data Base. (This database is a three-volume statewide career information and guidance system that is being built to offer counselors and clients computerized access to standardized occupational and educational information.) Outlined in the handbook are the…

This report is intended to provide employment, training, and education program planners with information on using the Iowa Microcomputer Occupational Information Network (MICRO-OIN). The first section provides an overview of the Iowa State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. The following topics are covered: the objectives, target…

This handbook was developed to assist local education agency personnel in establishing and administering high school apprenticeship programs, especially in North Carolina. The guide is organized in seven chapters that cover the following topics: (1) what apprenticeship is; (2) how a registered apprenticeship program works; (3) why employers choose…

The Workplace Education Initiative was created in Massachusetts to provide workers with the opportunity to develop basic literacy skills, to increase employer and union awareness of the extent of functional illiteracy among workers as well as its cost, to develop a number of partnership models that link the acquisition of basic education skills…

In their 2004 State of the State speeches, the nation's governors cited many issues competing for their attention and their states' resources, including health care, education, crime, and security (Nodine 2004). Among the most compelling challenges were those related to economic development and the ability of a state's workforce to meet the needs…

This curriculum guide was prepared for use in an introductory occupations course required of all New York State students taking a sequence in vocational education. Compiled by a partnership that included organized labor, the curriculum guide is based on New York State law, but the concepts and approaches could be adapted for use in other states.…

This guide was developed to help classroom teachers in Alberta, Canada, assist high school students in preparing for employment. (It was originally designed to accompany Alberta Job Search information presentations.) The guide contains 11 units covering the following topics: introduction, career planning, personal fact sheets, the job search,…

This sourcebook describes and analyzes contracted customized training for business and industry provided by community colleges. First, "Customized Job Training: Should Your Community College Be Involved?" by Robert J. Kopecek identifies issues to be considered in program decision making and suggests an organizational model for program delivery.…

Reviews approaches taken by Oregon, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, and California to incorporate community college systems into statewide economic development strategies. Approaches focus on small business assistance; anticipation of community needs; incentives for innovation; technology transfer; comprehensive…

Provides an annotated bibliography of ERIC materials on the role of community colleges in economic development, including general articles, services to businesses, state economic development activities, and local economic development. (DMM)

Strategies for teacher retention are presented, including successful approaches and elements for operating a state system for personnel recruitment and retention in special education. Such initiatives as the Utah Mentor Teacher Academy; the Texas Teacher Recruitment, Retention and Assistance Program; and the Kansas Recruitment/Retention Project…

Describes South Carolina's program of Special Schools which offer crash training through the state's two-year technical colleges to help new and expanding industries begin their operations through preemployment training programs. Highlights diversity in training, quick response to industry needs, and individually styled training. (DMM)

Examines recent initiatives of state governments and boards in developing economic development policy with community colleges as active partners. Places the policy discussion within a human capital framework, considering the state role in building human capital, and the building of human and physical capital through technical training. (DMM)