This series of reports explores a statewide solution to the work force problems in Texas. The previous report, A Call to Action, described the current status of the Texas work force and introduced the concept of the Human Investment System as a means to improve that status by making human investment and people-serving programs and services in…

After the death of Chairman Mao in 1976, the educational and economic policies of the People's Republic of China changed dramatically. From 1966 to 1976, the central concern of the Cultural Revolution was the distribution of wealth and power. The primary educational goal of this period was to transform the attitudes and thinking of the Chinese…

Describes the evolution of government labor force development policy in Hong Kong, which has a developing market economy. Discusses the private sector's approach to training the labor force and covers salient features of the system that are likely to determine future orientations. (CH)

This report describes the status of New York's Puerto Rican community and calls for greater corporate, philanthropic, government and community support for change. A brief introduction argues that Puerto Ricans represent a vast resource and must be assisted in gaining their rightful access to the mainstream, for the benefit of all society. The need…

Discusses the role of training in Japanese economic development and how Japanese training practices may be transferred to other cultures. Describes practices of both small and large industries, including quality control circles, cross-training, training for maintenance, supervisory training, designer training, and interdepartmental collaboration.…

The author states that vocational education can join in partnerships with industry, labor, and government to contribute to economic development. Examples of current programs are included. The "joint venture" concept is explained and ideas for forming joint ventures are shared. (CH)

The Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce warns that the United States can remain competitive only if productivity increases because of a high-skill, high-performance work force. They propose a flexible matrix of learning opportunities to prepare students to be adaptable and productive on the job. (SK)

For those individuals wishing to know more about the topic, this publication provides an introduction to industry-specific training. The need for industry-specific training programs (ISTPs) is addressed. An overview follows of how to develop the capacity needed in state and local organizations to design and implement industry-specific programs. A…

This document is the first of a projected series of reports that explores a statewide solution to the problems of work force quality in Texas. This initial report describes the current status of the Texas work force and introduces the concept of the Human Investment System as a means to improve that status by making human investment and…

Presents the proposals to improve workforce preparation from the report "America's Choice": (1) require attainment of high national standards of educational performance; (2) create learning environment that ensures this attainment; (3) establish professional certifications for non-college bound persons; (4) have employers allocate 1 percent of…

This report is part of the Investing in People Project, in which states worked to develop and implement work force preparation and training strategies to meet the challenge of a competitive global economy. The choices that states, firms, and individuals must make in order to enjoy a high standard of living are discussed. In order to achieve a high…

The U.S. economy is undergoing a transition that may rival the changes produced by the Industrial Revolution. The general directions are clear: an ever smaller share of the nation's work force is employed in the manufacturing sector; service sector industries are the source of most new jobs; and some "high tech" industries have had explosive…

This publication contains detailed reports from the eight subcouncils established by the Competitiveness Policy Council to develop specific policy recommendations in eight areas. "Building a Standards-Based School System" (Education Subcouncil) recommends redirecting the education system toward achieving the National Education Goals,…

The "Folkehojskole," or Folk High School (more accurately translated as "People's College") which is Denmark's unique contribution to adult education, offer residential adult instruction. The aims of folk education are to help adults behave as independent and mature members of the community and think and speak freely. Emphasis…

The Competitiveness Policy Council (CPC) concludes that the United States continues to face major competitiveness problems despite recent increases in the growth of both the economy and national productivity. It proposes sweeping educational reform in three areas: developing content and performance standards; ensuring that schools have the…